Adams 1947 David C Irwin

Nov.14, 1929 - May 3, 2017

Condolences

SOUTH BEND - David C. Irwin died peacefully on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 5:45 PM at his home in South Bend, Indiana surrounded by his son, daughter and caregiver, Karla Simmons.

David was born November 14, 1929 to William Earle Irwin and Elsie Lucille (Denman) Irwin. David really never knew his dad as he died of tuberculous in January 1939. His mom passed away on May 19, 1973. David had an older sister, Patricia Grace and an older brother, William (Bill) John Irwin. Patricia was born October 1, 1926 and died October 28, 2000. Bill was born May 7, 1928 and died November 27, 1989. David graduated from South Bend John Adams High School in 1947. The Adams yearbook shows David played basketball his sophomore and junior years, track his junior and senior years and football his senior year. David continued his education at the University of Notre Dame, graduating August 11, 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He was inducted into the United States Army on September 24, 1951. He separated from the Army on September 25, 1953.

On June 18, 1955, he married Merrus Elaine Hoctel. They were married 61 years before she passed away on July 8, 2016.

After the Army, David worked for Bendix as an engineer in the Aircraft Brake and Strut Division. He was laid off in April, 1970 and went to work at the South Bend Waste Water Treatment Plant on October, 22nd 1970. David became licensed where he could run any wastewater treatment plant in the states of Indiana and Michigan (except Detroit). He had an opportunity to return to Bendix and did so in April 1976. He retired from Allied Signal (who acquired Bendix in 1983) in early 1996. In 1990, David served as President of the Bendix Management Club.

Besides sports, David enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge. He played social bridge with his wife, but in his later years he found a great deal of enjoyment playing competitive bridge at the South Bend Bridge Club. He found it amusing that the South Bend Bridge Club is actually located in Mishawaka, Indiana in the Town and County Shopping Center. David played well enough to obtain the distinction of becoming a Silver Life Master in August 2013.

David is survived by his son, David John and his daughter, Stacey Elaine, both of South Bend. Also surviving are his nieces, Cindy (Dave) Roussin of Cabot, Arkansas, Laura Kronick of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Becky Reynolds of Monroe Township, New Jersey, Nan Kronick of Zion, Illinois and Janet Kronick of Hyde Park, Massachusetts; and nephews, Pete (Betina) Irwin of Kettering, Ohio, John Irwin of Parker, Colorado and Harry (Laura) Kronick of Plattsville, Wisconsin. A nephew, Bill Kronick of Atlanta, Georgia predeceased him.

There will be a memorial service for David on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 2;00pm at Evangel Heights United Methodist Church, 114 N. Ironwood Dr., South Bend, IN 46615. A committal service will follow at Highland Cemetery in South Bend, IN. Friends may visit with his son, David, and daughter, Stacey, during a luncheon in the church's Fellowship Hall from 12:15-1:30 PM. They will then greet visitors in the church lobby from 1:30-2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask any donations be made in David's memory to Pet Refuge, INC., 4626 S. Burnette Dr., South Bend, IN 46614. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

Published in South Bend Tribune from May 19 to May 21, 2017

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jmc 19 may 2017