Robert L. “Pete” Irwin, 95, passed away Sunday, December 13, 2020 with family by his side in Westfield, Indiana. He was born on October 12, 1925, in Clarks Hill, Indiana, a son of the late Nettie (Baer) and James Irwin. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn J. Irwin.
Pete was a graduate of Bowers High School. He served his country honorably in the US Navy during WWII. Following the war, he graduated from Purdue University, through the GI Bill where he played football for the Boilermakers and earned a degree in education. He later received his masters degree from Butler University.
He was a lifelong educator serving as a teacher, school administrator and a coach. Pete coached baseball and basketball at Darlington High School, Pike High School and Knightstown High School. His love of education and comradery with students continued as he became a principal at Knightstown High School and later was a guidance counselor at Richmond High School, retiring in 1987.
Pete was a member of the American Legion, Elks and VFW in Lebanon, Knightstown and Richmond. Pete enjoyed fishing and mushroom hunting. He was an avid sports fan, who especially loved the Purdue Boilermakers. But his true pride and joy was watching all his grandkids and great grandkids in their sporting activities.
Survivors include his children: Melanie Goff (Kevin Halpin) – Lexington, Kentucky, Perry (Tracey) Irwin – New Castle, Indiana, Todd (Christine) Irwin – Westfield, Indiana, Kristina (Mark – deceased) Lawson – Atlanta, Indiana; grandchildren: Eddie Goff, Mindy Vap, Alex Irwin, Avery Irwin, Pete Irwin, Will Irwin, Robert Lawson, Katherine Brow; great-grandchildren: Bailey Goff, Macey Goff, MaKenna Goff, Cate Goff, Hunter Vap, Haley Vap, Elisa Lawson, Amelia Lawson, Levi Lawson, Nolan Brow.
In addition to his parents and wife, Pete was preceded in death by sisters, Maxine Irwin, Louise Irwin, Mary Knapp and Ada Haughs; one brother, Jim Irwin.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, December 18, 2020, at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, Lebanon, Indiana 46052 with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Interment followed services at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon.
Memorials may be directed to any veteran’s organizations or Brooke’s Place, 8935 N. Meridian St., Ste. 200, Indianapolis, IN 46260. Online condolences: myersmortuary.com