It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of John Edgar Irwin of Holly, MI — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Below, a small portrait of a life that will not soon be forgotten.
John held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Faith is the language some lives are written in. John's was one.
JOHN EDGAR IRWIN
(May 31, 1928 – May 1, 2026)
John grew up in Springfield, Missouri with his loving parents and older brother, Carl. He was an Eagle Scout and a fine trumpeter from an early age. He joined the US Navy the day after high school graduation in 1945 making him a World War II veteran. He was trained as a Radio Man. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
He married Katherine Campbell in 1952. They had three children, Paul, Laura and Ruth. He spent his entire career with Delco-Remy, a division of General Motors. He started in Anderson, Indiana but was transferred to Oakland County in 1958 where he lived for the rest of his life.
In 1976, he was remarried to Thelma Brown of New Brunswick. They lived together in Bloomfield Township, Michigan for nearly 50 years. They were active in their church, formerly Highland Park Baptist Church, now GraceWay Bible Church. He played in the church orchestra, served on the Missions Committee, and participated in many overseas projects. In retirement, he started an electronics repair business (often undercharging, which made him many friends!) He and Thelma traveled the world in retirement. John was known for his humor and willingness to serve. He is survived by Thelma, two of his three children, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Visitation will he held at Sawyer-Fuller, 2125 12 Mile Rd, Berkley on Friday, May 8 from 6 to 8:30pm.
Services will he held at GraceWay Bible Church, 28600 Lahser Rd., Southfield on Saturday, May 9 at 11am.
