of Grass Lake, MI, age 75, died Friday, August 25, 2017 at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born May 26, 1942 in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Donald M. and Hedwig M. (Schmid) Irwin. Richard graduated from Chelsea High School in 1960 and was on the championship football teams in 1958 and 1959. He served in the US Army 18th Airborne Corps. Richard earned his associates degree from Jackson Junior College and attended Michigan State. He was a lifelong farmer and worked as a salesman for Rockwell International. Richard attended Grace Church in Jackson. He was a member of Chelsea Jaycees and the Chelsea American Legion.
Survivors include two sons, James Irwin of Grass Lake, Thomas (Amanda) Irwin of Bloomington, IL; two daughters, Jane (Paul Sizer) Irwin of Kalamazoo, Jill (John) Olasz of Swartz Creek; three sisters, Elizabeth Ann Perry of CA, Nancy Decoster of Manchester, Barbara Rich of CA; and 2 grandchildren, Anna and Ellie Irwin.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 2, 11:00 am at Grace Church, Jackson, MI with Rev. James Walling officiating. A private burial at Irwin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Jane Irwin, to be divided among Richard’s caregivers, who gave exceptional care beyond that which was required. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.