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Richard E. Irwin Jr.

July 4, 1950 - April 4, 2020

1950-2020

Richard “Dick” Irwin, 69, of Columbia, MO, passed away from complications of Parkinson’s disease on Saturday, April 4 at The Baptist Home in Ozark, MO, surrounded in body and spirit by his loving family.

He was born on July 4, 1950 in Munich, Germany, the only child of Richard Irwin, deceased, and Virginia (McCullough) Irwin Riddle, Ozark, MO, surviving.

Richard married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Brenda (Isaak) Irwin, Columbia, MO, on January 29, 1972.  He was the proud father of two children: Dylan Irwin (daughter-in-law Sarah) of Lone Tree, Colorado and Lindy Irwin, Columbia, MO.

A gifted musician, he studied percussion and composition at the University of Missouri-Columbia, from which he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.  He pursued music in a variety of ways throughout his life, whether playing guitar and writing music at home, or arranging classic rock tunes, singing, and performing on the drums in several bands.

Richard retired from the State Department of Mental Health, where he worked as a systems analyst.

He was kind, creative, gentle and unassuming. He was an avid reader and writer.  He always looked forward to family vacations, and cherished time spent with family and friends.

Richard was a member of First Christian Church.

A family gravesite service at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens will be held at a later date.

During this difficult time, please give any donations to those causes closest to your heart.

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1950-2020 Richard “Dick” Irwin, 69, of Columbia, MO, passed away from complications of Parkinson’s disease on Saturday, April 4 at The Baptist Home in Ozark, MO, surrounded in body and spirit by his loving family. He was born on July 4, 1950 in Munich, Germany, the only child of Richard Irwin, deceased, and Virginia (McCullough) Irwin Riddle, Ozark, MO, surviving. Richard
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Donald (AJ) Hahne left a message on April 15, 2020:
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Worked with Richard at the Dept. of Mental Health until I retired. God be with you in this time.
Jeff Bauer left a message on April 12, 2020:
Brenda, I am sad for you, your family, and for Dick. I have great memories of Dick from years ago when we were young and had few worries. I will cherish those memories.
Diane Dreher Gaines left a message on April 11, 2020:
My deepest sympathy and prayers to you Brenda and your family as you wade the waters of loss and sadness. You and Dick were the cutest couple in high school and to find your soul mate so young was a blessing. May you find peace in the cherished memories you created throughout the years.
Dan Bogler left a message on April 11, 2020:
Brenda - the passing of Dick saddens me and I am sure that everyone who ever met him feels a great loss. Looking at his picture reminds me how much of a gentleman he was. His smile says it all. It really does
John Blosser left a message on April 11, 2020:
Mrs. Irwin and Brenda, Cindy and I are so sorry to learn of Dick’s death. Parkinson’s is such a tough battle for everyone involved. Please know that our prayers are with you now and in the days ahead. The obituary was so correct about Dick’s demeanor and character - at least if what I saw in high school was an indicator of what he would become. I regret that we did not have the opportunity to spend time together as adults. Blessings, John and Cindy
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Lynn Brightwell Terrill left a message on April 10, 2020:
Brenda I am sorry to hear about Dicks passing.My prayers are with you the children and your mother in law.God bless.
Lowell Wilhite left a message on April 10, 2020:
Saddened by the news of Dick’s deaths. Condolences to family and friends. Dick was a great classmate.
Anita Mortimer left a message on April 10, 2020:
Heartbroken by the news of Dick'a death. Brenda, my memories are of course of the two of you as youthful sweethearts--both such lovely, kind, and gentle people and so in love. Your smiles brightened every occasion and I am sure that remained true over the years. I am sending love and prayers to you and your family. May rich memories comfort you now and in times to come.
Jim Hackmann left a message on April 10, 2020:
Brenda, my deepest sympathies for your loss. It has been so many years since Dick and I were roommates at Mizzou. I am truly saddened to learn of his passing.
Colleen Pisaneschi left a message on April 10, 2020:
Brenda, I was so very sorry to see this news. What a dear, kind man he always was, and seeing the 2 of you together was one of the highlights of that visit I made to JC. I've thought of you many times since, happy to know that you were still together. Sending deepest condolences to you and your family. The world has lost half of one its loveliest couples.
Greenlawn left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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