Robert Gene “Bob” Irvin, Sr., 89, of Bonnie, Illinois, passed away at 9:01 am November 26, 2022, at Nature Trail Health Care Center in Mount Vernon, Illinois of a broken heart.
He lost his wife, Marilyn on August 11, 2022, after 69 years and 8 days of marriage. He told Marilyn the day before she passed that he wouldn’t be far behind. He kept his word!
Bob was born in Cobden, Illinois to the late Ralph E. Irvin and Mabel G. (Jackson) Irvin on April 22, 1933. He married Doris Marilyn (Baker) Irvin on August 3, 1953, in Mount Vernon.
Bob is survived by his sons, Robert Irvin, Jr. and wife, Marcia of Bonnie, Illinois, and Michael Irvin and wife, Cindy of Woodlawn, Illinois; grandchildren, Candi J. Schaefer and husband, David of Bonnie, Blake Irvin and wife, Kaylyn of Spring Hill, Florida, Brya Scott and husband, Michael of Woodlawn, Christy Hanusek and husband, Chris of Columbia, Illinois, and Courtney Francke and husband, Joe of Saint Louis, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Wade Schaefer, Cody Schaefer, McClain Cermmin, Corbin Cermmin, Lexi Scott, Emberlyn Irvin, Lucas Francke, Atlee Francke, and JJ Francke; sisters, Sharon Rhoton and Jane Woodcock; sisters-in-law, Sharon Irvin, Clarabell Irvin, and Betty Wells; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Bob was preceded in death by his siblings, Harold Irvin, Earl Irvin, and Betty Irvin; and granddaughter, Megan Irvin.
Bob and Marilyn were very active members of the Ina Freewill Baptist Church and attended whenever the doors were open. They dearly loved and cherished their church family. Bob proudly served his country in Korea during the Korean War. He and Marilyn would attend 92nd Battalion reunions all over the United States. They traveled back to Korea for a reunion. Bob was also a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America, having worked at Inland Steel Coal and Consolidation Coal Company Rend Lake Mine until retirement in 1995.
A Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 30, 2022, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 am with Pastor Brad Ryan officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois. Full Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the American Legion Post #141. Memorials may be made in Bob’s honor to the Ina Freewill Baptist Church Building Fund. Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-246-0100 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.
