Irvin R. McGath

He was born to Daniel H. & Gillian McGath in Gibson City, IL on March 3, 1919. He married Lorraine Potts on December 16, 1938.

Surviving are his wife of 72 years, Lorraine of East Peoria, IL; one son, Jim McGath (Kathy) of East Peoria, IL; five grandchildren, Mauri (Steve) Nace, Dunlap, IL, Cindy (Mike) Bruketa, Dunlap, IL, Daniel R. (Jill) McGath, Springfield, IL, Dr. Shelly McGath, Washington, IL, and Rhonda (Miles) McKelvey, Morton, IL; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson. Also surviving are one sister, Irma Nickrent, Normal, IL; one brother -in-law, Tom Whitehouse, Bloomington, IL, one sister-in-law, Mary Spencer, Moline, IL and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

Irvin was last employed as the Co-Owner and General Manager of a 180 acre subdivision near Carbondale, IL he retired in 1985. Prior to that he worked for Acme Roofing Company in Bloomington, IL.

Irvin served his country during World War II in the US Army. He was in the Central Europe Campaigns and the Battles of Rhineland. He was decorated with the Purple Heart, The Distinguished Unit Badge, The Good Conduct Medal and the European-African Middle Eastern Theater Medal. After the war ended he was a member of the Military Police, and as an MP he was stationed in Germany and France.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 1115, the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, and the Commander’s Club of Disabled American Veterans. He was a practicing Christian.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 26, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington, IL. Officiated by Pastor Tim George of Fairway Knolls Church of the Nazarene, Bloomington, IL , followed by military honors. East Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Harvest Bible Chapel, 805 W. Jackson St., suite 301, Morton, IL 61550.

Online condolences may be submitted to www.EastLawn-Bloomington.com.