Clarence M. Irwin

Clarence M. Irwin, 93, Topeka, passed away Friday, March 25, 2016 at Homestead of Topeka.

He was born February 8, 1923, on a farm east of Valley Falls, Kansas, the son of Melvin E. and Ida Mae (Summerfelt) Irwin. Clarence's mother died in 1928 and his father later married Pearl Tosh. This marriage combined to make a family of ten children. Pearl was a loving, caring mother to all ten children.

Clarence attended country school and graduated from Denison High School in 1942. He farmed with his father in the Valley Falls area until he was drafted for World War II in June, 1944. He served as a U.S. Marine Corps rifleman and was wounded on June 9, 1945 during the invasion of Okinawa. Following a lengthy recovery, he was honorably discharged on December 12, 1945 and awarded the Purple Heart and the Good Conduct Medal.

After the war, Clarence resumed farming near Valley Falls and met the love of his life, Mary Lou Matthews at the Valley Falls Skating Rink. They were married on March 21, 1947 at the parsonage in Nortonville KS. Clarence and Mary Lou just celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. They farmed near Valley Falls until 1951, when they moved to Topeka. He began work as a guard at the Air Force Depot at Forbes. In 1956 he started work for the U.S. Post Office Western Area Supply Center. He worked there until his retirement in 1981.

Clarence enjoyed farming, yard work, car maintenance, boating, water skiing, square dancing, KU Basketball and the Kansas City Royals. He especially treasured time spent with his family and friends.

He was a longtime member of Crestview United Methodist Church of Topeka.

Clarence is survived by his wife Mary Lou, of the home. Other survivors include a daughter, Joyce Robinson (Allan) of Tecumseh, a son, Leslie Irwin (Bobbi) of Topeka , a sister, Lucile Shaw of Holton, five grandchildren: Kristen Franklin (Eric) of Salina, KS, Brady Irwin (Janelle) of Tallahassee, FL, Brian Robinson and fiance Jaimie Ribera of Provo, UT, Mark Robinson of Lawrence, KS and Amy Neeley (Michael) of Topeka, and four great grandchildren: Sadie Franklin, Cole Franklin, Katelyn Irwin and Grayson Irwin. He was a dear loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. We will miss him greatly.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Susan Irwin; four brothers, George, Dale, Earl and Kenneth Irwin; four step-sisters, Laura Dixon, Wanda Bartsch, Eula Colle and Marjorie Goldsberry.

Clarence will lie in state after 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 29 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, 1321 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas, 66604,where the family will receive friends and relatives from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. that evening.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 am., Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 Eveningside Dr., Topeka, KS 66604 with interment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crestview United Methodist Church.

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