Harold D. Irwin

Harold D. Irwin, of Decatur, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 2, 2025, with family by his side.

Born on October 30, 1931, in Van Wert County, Ohio, he was the son of the late Herbert “Pete” and Cladie (Ramsey) Irwin.

On December 10, 1954, he married Ilo (Jean) Kimberlin in Decatur. They spent the next 70 years raising a family, working hard, and building a life together.

From an early age, he knew the value of hard work, starting with horse-drawn equipment before tractors changed the game—until he left the fields to serve his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. When he returned home, he worked a variety of jobs before spending decades at International Harvester as a maintenance fabricator. He retired in 1986, but never really slowed down. In 1999, he returned to farming, working the land each spring and fall on a small hobby farm.

For years, his mornings started at McDonald's or Hardee’s, having coffee and conversation with friends. A man who appreciated the outdoors, he held a lifetime hunting license and spent much of his time farming, gardening, clearing trails on the farm, cutting down trees, splitting logs, and working on small engines—always finding something to fix, build, or improve. For many years, he also pulled Farmall tractors in weight-class competitions and participated in events held by Tri-State Gas Engine & Tractor Association, The Old-Fashioned Farmer’s Club, and Wheels of Yesteryear.

He is survived by his wife, Ilo; two sons, Larry (Diane) Irwin of Decatur, IN, and Rick (Marybeth) Irwin of Wren, OH; two daughters, Deb (Rod) Gledhill and Tammy Shoup both of Decatur, IN; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Tim (Sally) Irwin of Decatur, IN, and Ronald Joe (Deb) Irwin of Craigville, IN.

Preceding him in death were two brothers, Herbert Jr. and Carl (Dick) Irwin; three sisters, Betty Crone, Mary Lou Prater, and Helen Kay Bovine; and one son-in-law, Tim Shoup.

He wasn’t one for fuss or fanfare, but his life was full—of work, routine, and family.

Private services were held at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home, with burial to take place at a later date, in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Arrangements were Entrusted to Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home.

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