Paul D Irvin

Loving father and husband, Paul David Irvin, Sr. passed away Sunday October 23rd after 77 years of life. Paul - born November 16th, 1941 in Indianapolis, Indiana - was the son of Mabel Ellis Irvin and Realous Irvin. He is the sixth of seven children - preceded in death by Roy C., Thomas, William, Arthur, and Mary. He is survived by younger brother James F. and is wife Blondie. His family were members of Travstone Baptist church.

Paul began his education with Kindergarten at School 24 - 1st grade. He transferred to St. Bridges Catholic School until the 6th grade and then attended School 23 until the 8th grade. Junior High was completed at School 17, followed by Crispus Atticks High School, with college courses at IUPUI.

It was in his Freshman year at Crispus Atticks High School that he met Sophomore Joyce Marie Garrett in Choir Class. After a three year courtship, they married on October 9th, 1958. Together for 61 years, they had three children - Lynn Anne Irvin, Paul David Irvin, Jr., and James Robert Irvin.

Professionally, Paul began with odd jobs such as orderly at a mental asylum, welder and janitor. His intelligence and drive however, led him to Eli Lily and Co. where for over 23 years as the Senior Process Operator he helped the research and development of Humulin Insulin made through Human DNA Technology. Even after retirement he continued to stay busy starting his own business as a consulting computer technician for corporate clients.

In addition to his career, Paul always had a love of Music. Teaching himself his favorite instrument the guitar, he was asked to join The Vanguards - co-writing and playing on their hit song "Somebody Please". Splitting off from the Vanguards with his wife Joyce as the flautist, Paul started his own group, The Care Package in 1971.

Throughout his life he also had a love for chess, gardening, home improvements, dogs, golf, tennis, photography, skeet shooting and movies. Paul and Joyce were also active members in the Victory Memorial Methodist Church - participating in Sunday choir, Emmaus (weekend retreat to reconnect with God) and mens and women's prison ministry.

Paul is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Joyce Marie; one daughter Lynn Anne; two sons, Paul David, Jr. (Matt Egbert) and James Robert (Troy Dunham); one brother, James F. (Blondie); one sister-in-law, Butch Tucker; mother-in-law, Mrs. Anna E. Garrett; a host of niece's nephews, cousins and other family members and many friends.