Ira V. Sturgeon Jr., 93, of Winter Garden, FL passed away Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the Select Specialty Hospital in Edgewood, FL. He was born on February 9, 1931, the son of Ira V. Sr. and Anna (Laurent) Sturgeon in Springfield, IL.
Survivors that will remember Ira’s love for his family include, his children, Kathy Davino (Rick) of Patoka, IL, Carol Moore of Patoka, IL, Donald Sturgeon of Patoka, IL, Karen Johnson (AJ) of Centralia, IL, Jeff Sturgeon (Robin) of Patoka, IL, Kenneth Sturgeon (Michelle) of Winter Garden, FL, Mike Murphy (Carol) of FL, Bonnie McDaniel of FL, and Chris Murphy (Jill) of FL; 13 grandchildren, Stephanie Houston (John), Ginger Davino (Matt), Melanie Burns, Shannon Moore, Jennifer Phillips, Stoney Sturgeon (Heather), Jana Sturgeon, Dennis Sturgeon (Jennifer), Bo Sturgeon (Jacob), Ryan Sturgeon (Dani), Joey Sturgeon, Aidan Sturgeon, and Connor Sturgeon; 11 step-grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Leek of Junction City; and former son-in-law, Brad Moore.
Ira was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Roy, Ed, Ray, and Tom Sturgeon; and his grandson, Nicholas Davino
Ira valued education, he completed high school in Ashley, IL, and then studied Business Management at the University of Nevada. From 1948-1972, Mr. Sturgeon served with pride in the United States Air Force for 23 years before his retirement as Chief Master Sergeant. As a veteran of Vietnam and Korea, his sacrifice for the country did not go unnoticed. After the completion of his decorated military career, he served as Director of Engineering for Morley Properties. Ira then went back to his original passion of learning, sharing his vast knowledge, working as a teacher for the Orange County Public Schools for 20 years, until his final retirement. During his teaching career, he taught Health at Wymore Tech High School, and he was an instructor for AACA/CF Apprentice Program, HVAC Instructor Coordinator for Westside Vocational Technical College. A true airman at heart, Ira truly enjoyed attending Thunderbird Air Shows, marveling at the speed and agility of these amazing planes. He loved visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to his home in Florida, where they spent many an afternoon watching westerns, especially ones starring John Wayne and taking golf carts rides to check for alligators in the park. Every adventure with Grandpa included him treating everyone to his favorite treat, ice cream. Ira was a man of dignity, honor, and respect who was loved dearly by his family and friends.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Patoka. Interment will follow at Pratt Cemetery in Patoka, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and the Patoka American Legion Post #543. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home in Patoka. Memorials may be made in Ira’s honor to the family’s wishes of Pratt Cemetery. Online condolences and memories of Ira may be shared with the family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Day Macz Funeral Home in Patoka is privileged to be assisting the family of Ira Sturgeon Jr. with arrangements.
