Joseph Irwin

Joe attended Fort Smith Public Schools, where he graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1948. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with an engineering degree and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He moved to Texas to begin his career as an engineer with the Texas Highway Department in Fort Worth, Texas.

He married his wife Jean Moore Irwin and was the father of two sons, Michael Irwin and Joseph MacLeod (Joe Mac) Irwin and grandson Joey Irwin. Jean died in 1996 and Joe moved back to Fort Smith. He married his school days friend, Mickey McCullough Jamell Irwin.

Joe was a member and usher at First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith. Joe was active in many civic and historical groups and drove the Historical Trolley downtown. Joe was a volunteer at Sparks Hospital, the Fort Smith Literacy Council, and Find-a-Grave.

Joe passed away from complications of COVID-19 on February 11, 2021. He had been in the hospital with COVID-19 a few weeks prior. He died in his sleep at his home.

Joe was an active contributor and photographer for Find a Grave and enjoyed working on his genealogy as well as helping other people.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 11 a.m. in Roebuck Chapel of First United Methodist Church. The Discussion Sunday School Class and the Sanctuary Ushers of First United Methodist Church will be honorary pallbearers.