John M. Irwin, 78, of Barnett, Mo., passed away at home Saturday, May 2, 2026.
He was born March 10, 1948, in Waynesville, Mo.
Most of you have heard about that dash between the birthday and the day of passing. Everyone has a story that encompasses that dash, but John Irwin had that and more.
There are not enough pages in this paper to properly convey his adventures, but an attempt will be made to summarize the life of an amazing man.
After his birth in Missouri, he lived in several states including Kentucky, Ohio, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Nevada, California and Arizona before returning to his birth state where he happily resided in a very active retirement.
Over the years John was a stagehand, a ranch hand, a mechanic, a plumber, an electrician, a realtor, a businessman, an actor ??(yes, he was in a movie with Melanie Griffith and Ben Johnson), a storekeeper, a writer, a welder, he owned a flight school, was an expert fisherman, a world traveler, a candidate for sheriff in Nevada and many other things.
There wasn’t anything that he could not do. He willingly took on large tasks and embarked on unfathomable adventures. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather and an uncle. He was loving, caring and thoughtful.
He met the love of his life and by 1971 he finally convinced her to marry. They had four children, one of whom was called home as a baby. The other three grew into adults and had children of their own. The union of John and Darlene has thus far created a multitude of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with more on the way.
He would converse with strangers as if he knew them for a lifetime. He was witty, humorous and brilliant. He added so much good to the world. The large hole he leaves in many lives will be filled with fond memories, great stories and heavenly oversight.
He would command that no one despair or be too sorrow filled. His faith was strong and he knew that we will all meet again further down the trail. To those of you that knew this great man, remember him fondly. To those of that did not know him, go hug your family, spend time with friends or go on an adventure. Live your life the way that John did with no fear, lots of love and faith in God.
John was the son of the late Armon Worth and Betty Jane (Brielmaier) Irwin. On May 15, 1971, in Mariposa, he was united in marriage to Darlene (Gordo) Irwin who survives.
Other survivors include, children Katie Irwin of Barnett, MO., Matthew Irwin of Barnett and Thomas Irwin ( Jessica) of Russellville, Mo; grandchildren Hannah (Casey), Jared, Dillon, Melinda (Cameron), Dalton and Luke; great-grandchildren Maliyah, Malani, Nova and a baby boy on the way; siblings Charles, Tom, Debbie, Mary Kate, Susie and Janie; several nieces and nephews and one fat dog named Gypsy.
Along with his parents, a brother, James and a daughter, Starlene Jane Irwin, preceded him in death.
John was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Eldon, Mo.
Per his wishes, his body has been cremated and a funeral mass was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Eldon on May 16, 2026. Interment will be at Catheys Valley Cemetery in Catheys Valley at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 24. Memorials in his name are suggested in care of the family.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon.
Responses (0)