John Robert Irvin Jr.

TSGT. JOHN IRVIN JR. U.S. Air Force, Retired It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John Robert Irvin Jr., April 7, 2011. He was born July 30, 1952, in Memphis, Tenn., and was a 27-year resident of Nevada. He was a kind and gentle man whose smile lit up the room. He loved all kinds of sports especially track, football and basketball. He was a technical sergeant in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years and served in the Vietnam and Gulf wars. Aside from his service during wartime, he had three oversees tours of duty. After his retirement, he worked for the Clark County School District. John will be missed by the many family and friends he leaves behind. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Christine Irvin; and his wife, Olivia Irvin. John is survived by his children, Anthony (Elizabeth) Solomon, Chauncene Johnson and Byron Irvin; his stepmother, Ann Lee Irvin; his sisters, Donna (Darrel) Price, Christy (Larry) Dockery and Wendy (Reginald) Taylor, all of Memphis; five grandchildren, DeAndre, Matthews, Antwan, Jasmine, Ariel and Isaiah Solomon; four nieces, Crystal and Brianna Dockery, Tierney and Tanisha Taylor, all of Memphis; and one nephew, Darrel Price Jr. After the death of his wife, Olivia, John was fortunate to find love again in Betty Echeverria. She was very devoted, loving and remained by his side until the end. Viewing will be 3-7 p.m. Friday, April 15. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 16, both at Palm Mortuary, 6701 N. Jones Blvd. A reception celebrating John's life will follow at 2 p.m., at 4341 Desert Park Ave. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Buchanan Blvd. in Boulder City.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Northwest Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.