IRWIN, Billy

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona, Friday, January 24, 2014 Billy Irwin, 73, died Jan. 20, 2014, in Winslow. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday at 2 p.m., at Winslow Elks Lodge. Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow is handling the arrangements. ~~~~~~~~~ Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow, Winslow, Arizona Billy Irwin October 12, 1940 - January 20, 2014 The Celebration of Life for Billy Lee Irwin, 73, will be held at the Winslow Elk's Club Auditorium on Saturday, January 25 at 2:00 p.m. with a potluck following. Billy was born in Wasco, CA., October 12, 1940 to Sherman Ivett Irwin and Hester Lorene Barker. Billy resided in Gallup, NM. as a young child and moved to Winslow when he was 4. He attended elementary schools here, and graduated from Winslow High School in 1958. During that time he played football, baseball and having a beautiful voice, sang in the choir, and acted in several plays. He then joined the Navy on June 7, 1958, serving 3yrs./3mons., stationed at Norman, OK., and later, at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, TX, and was honorably discharged. After coming back to Winslow, he hired out on the Santa Fe Railroad in November of 1961. He worked for the AT&SF and BNSF railroad for over 41 years, retiring 2001 as a conductor. He married Deanna LeGate in 1962, and had two beautiful daughters, Terri and Sherri. He later remarried, to Thelma Matney. And in February, 1996, he married Patti Conway Ansell and were married for 17 years, until his death. Billy's hobbies were golf, bird hunting and fishing. His greatest love was art, becoming a very talented pencil artist, portrait artist, sculpting in clay, carving, and many other mediums. He loved to travel, and if there was any water or even a puddle, he'd have to stop and wet a hook. Billy loved seeing as much of the U.S. as possible. But the trip to Alaska, driving the R.V. for 6 wks., was his gift to himself and Patti for all the years of railroad service, upon retiring. Family, friends, and home life were so important to him. Games of competition like golf, shuffleboard, gin rummy, dominoes, and Dr. Mario were some of his favorites. But teaching a child to fish was his ultimate goal. He took pride in all the accomplishments of the children (including the grands and greats}. Hosting the "Class of 58" reunions was always fun and rewarding for him. His love, wit, and caring will be missed greatly. He is survived by his loving wife, Patti. His two daughters, Terri (Richard) Parsons of Winslow, and Sherri (Bob) Haeuser of Chandler, AZ. Step-daughter Desiree (Randy) Bengson of Winslow, Step-son, Destrey Ansell (deceased) and Step-daughter Darcee Williams of Winslow. Brothers Charlie (Jackie) Irwin of Shady Point, OK, and Jim Irwin of Winslow. Grandchildren: Laura Lee Parsons, Christopher Parsons, Devin Parsons, Kelsey Haeuser, Kendal Haeuser, Steven Bengson, Geoff Bengson, Evan Bengson, Stephanie Geer, Zane Ansell, Kara Shawn Ansell. Greats: Delphi Lander, Stratton Salyard, Jr., Christopher "Chipper" Parsons, Martin Bengson, Santana Bengson, Ivan Bengson, Aubree Geer, and Addyson Geer. And bunches of nieces and nephews.