Thomas J. Irwin Obituary (1924 - 2010)

Thomas J. "Tom" Irwin was born November 18, 1924 in Sioux City, Iowa to Thomas Irwin and Madge Lewis Irwin. He was raised in Omaha, Nebraska and attended schools there. He later attended the University of Wyoming until serving in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945 in the European Theatre where he was awarded a Purple Heart. Following his military service Tom returned to Nebraska where he studied at the University of Nebraska graduating and receiving his Masters Degree in Social Work. Tom later began his career in Des Moines, Iowa and later Omaha and Ft. Dodge, Nebraska. He worked in various locations before coming to Wickenburg in 1988 where he began working at the Meadows. Tom was a member of A.A. in Wickenburg and also the American Legion and the Redeemer Lutheran Church. He enjoyed woodworking and loved the outdoors and the desert. He was preceded in death by his first wife Barbara in 1991 and wife Maggie in 1998, sisters Helen Deaver, brother Bruce "Bud" Irwin and step-son Ted Bell. He is survived by his wife Pat of Wickenburg, Children: Susan Lamb (Jeffrey) of Lincoln, Nebraska, Diane Scott (John) of Bentonville, Arkansas, Sandi Burk (Arlo) of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Laurel Stuart of Seattle, Washington, Thomas "T.J." Irwin (Erin) of Centerburg, Ohio. Step-children: Barbara McGinley (Joe) of Lacey, Washington, Charlene Pretty On Top of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Debra Lee Paul (Guy) of Meridian, Idaho, Steven Ball of Olympia, Washington, Sister Margaret Savage of Youngstown, Ohio, Grandchildren: James, Andrew, Anthony Lamb; David, Matthew & Emma Scott; Chris & Liz Burk; Mariah Bell; Bailey, Jonathan and Sydney Irwin. Great-Grandchildren: Jakayla, Rodney, Elijah, Trevin, Aliyah, Tiana & Titus Lamb; Austin, Kaylee & Levi Scott; Doug, Keri & Selina Paul.