Robert Paul Irwin

Born February 8, 1943, in Greencastle the son of Robert Herndon and Edna L. (Wilson) Irwin. He was a graduate of Greencastle High School “Class of 1961” and attended Indiana State University. He met the love of his life, Janet, and married her on June 6, 1968. He was a member of the Indiana Air National Guard and in later life would often call cadence on walks with family that would delight his children and grandchildren.

Bob worked at Lonestar Industries for 44 years where he started as a lab tech and then moved to a supervisor position for the rest of his career. After his retirement and with a love for travel he began driving for Turner Motorcoach, seeing new places, transporting sports teams, and enjoying a race in Atlanta. He had also served as an IHSAA official for High School and College games.

Anyone who knew Bob knew that he loved racing and riding his motorcycle. As a young man, he was a professional flat track motorcycle racer and a lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association. He spent several years at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a “yellow shirt” working the Indy 500 race. With his love of racing, the highlight of his retirement was the position of weekend event manager for Putnam Park Road Course where he met a kindred spirit in track owner Chris Diasio. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved boating, hiking, bike riding, backpacking, and camping numerous State Parks and the Great Smoky Mountains. He also loved the UP of Michigan where he and his family rode miles and miles on snowmobiles. He loved reading books on history and Western Novels. He also enjoyed a good game of Billiards or Euchre when one could be found.

Bob’s greatest love was his family, wife Janet (Hutson) Irwin; son Stacy (Tracie) Irwin; daughter Kimberly (Nolan) Costin; grandchildren Nick Costin (Shelby), Alex (Ivy) Costin and Addison Irwin. He is also survived by brother-in-law, sister-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Eugenia Faye Shinn.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Putnam Park Road Course 5251 S. Co. Rd. 550 E. Greencastle.