Jesse E. Irvin, 83, of Waynetown passed away at 2:20 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Franciscan Health Crawfordsville.
He was born Nov. 10, 1939, at Sulfur Lick, Kentucky, son of Lawrence and Ortha Daniels Irvin. Jesse married the love of his life, Janice Arlene Cox, on July 8, 1989, at Crawfordsville. She passed away Dec. 18, 2013 … Jesse never got over losing her, they were a true love story.
Jesse graduated from Coal Creek Central High School in 1957 and served with the U.S. Army. Following his Army service, Jesse was employed by RR Donnelley & Sons in the press and proof rooms, retiring after 42 1/2 years in 2000. Jesse resided in Waynetown since 2002, moving there from Crawfordsville and Wingate prior to that.
He was proud of his military service and was a member of the American Legion, first at Waynetown and then Crawfordsville Post 72. He was also a member of the F & AM Masonic Lodge in New Richmond and the Waynetown United Methodist Church. Jesse enjoyed traveling and going to casinos. He especially enjoyed Hawaii.
Jesse absolutely loved his family. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would go out of his way to make them happy. Jesse was a jokster and loved to tease them about anything and everything.
Surviving are family Jesse loved as his own, step-daughters, Susan Risner of Waynetown and Jennifer (Kirk) Harpenau of Newburg; step-grandchildren, Brett (Chelsea) Risner, Amber (Garrett) Johnston, Kiley (Clay) Schmitt and Adam Harpenau; and six step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Janice; sisters, Joyce Glass, Clarine Bair and Barbara Swaringen; three brothers, Bill, Joe and Kenneth.
Visitation hours are 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 followed by funeral services at 3 p.m. at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, with Pastor Johnny Booth officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Military honors provided by American Legion Post 72 Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions are preferred to American Legion Post 72 Honor Guard.
Visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.
