Fred Bailey Lt. Col. Irby

After defying the odds for many years and through numerous life-threatening illnesses our beloved father, Fred Bailey Irby, passed away on October 3, 2003 at his home at the Forum at Lincoln Heights, surrounded by his children and the love of his caring family.

Born September 25, 1910 in Sherman, Texas to Robert S. and Lois Mae Irby and reared in Ardmore, Oklahoma, he attended the University of Oklahoma where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

Colonel Irby enlisted in the 124th Cavalry Regiment in November 1940 and attended the first Officers' Candidate School for Cavalry Officers at Fort Riley, Kansas.

While at Fort Bliss he married the love of his life, Doris Compton, a union which lasted for 56 years until her death in 2000 and which he pronounced as the proudest accomplishment of his life.

He was posted to the Fifth Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division and served in the Southwest Pacific Theatre of Operations during World War II where he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Following the war, he accepted a commission in the Regular Army.

During a tour in Germany, 1949-53, he transferred to the Quartermaster Corps and functioned as a Comptroller in the Quartermaster General Depot System.

He retired December 1, 1963, from 5th Army Headquarters in San Antonio.

His Army career took him to Japan, Germany, and Korea as well as various points in the continental United States.

Following his military career, he was employed as Savings Manager at the San Antonio Office of Farm and Home Savings Association for 10 years before "stacking pencils" for good as he referred to the end of his working career.

He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Community for the past 40 years.

He enjoyed his retirement with his wife "Queenie", participating in San Antonio Conservation Society events, traveling, fishing at Lake LBJ, and delighting in the company of his four children, his nine grandchildren, and one great - grandchild.

He is survived by his son Dr. Andrew Long Chesson, Jr. and his wife, Denise of Shreveport, Louisiana and their children Dr. Andrew Long Chesson III and his wife Shelby of Hickory, North Carolina and Lisa Chesson Colquitt and her husband Andrew of Charleston, South Carolina; his daughter Gay Irby Thienpont and her husband Rene of San Antonio and their children Lisa Lynn Ayala and her husband, Justin, and Robin Rene Thienpont; his daughter, Joy Irby Nelson and her husband Ron of Brenham, and their children, Abbey Nelson of Sugar Land, and Megan Krizan and husband, Paul, of Dallas,; his daughter Peggy Ann Chesson of Austin, and her children Caleb, Alexis, and Willie Hamilton.

He is also survived by his precious great-granddaughter Katelyn Joy Nelson, of Sugar Land.

He is also remembered by numerous friends at the Forum at Lincoln Heights who grew to know and appreciate his generous wit and charm during the six years he lived there.

His children extend their warmest thanks to the therapists and staff at the Forum for all the care and attention their father received. Appreciation is also extended to the physicians and nursing staff at Brooke Army Medical Center for their compassionate care throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Vitas Hospice, or the charity of your choice.