Phillip Eugene Irwin

Phil was born to Louise McCarley Irwin and Knox Hunter Irwin, Jr. in Andrews, Texas on June 11, 1946. This amazing family moved from Andrews to Odessa, Texas in 1951 and certainly left their unique mark on this community. The Irwin home was always filled with friends, family, neighbors, preachers, laughter, and love.

Phil was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Odessa. He graduated from Permian High School where he was a decorated member of the Panther track team. Phil could run like the West Texas wind and held several longstanding school records. After graduation, he accepted a track scholarship and traded in the black and white for green and gold to run for a season with the Baylor Bears. However, West Texas lured him back when he was offered a scholarship in the athletic training department at Texas Western University in El Paso which later became UTEP. Phil found his calling and often said it was the best decision he ever made. After graduating, he began a successful career as an athletic trainer and loved working with student athletes in Big Spring and later in Burleson. When not working, you would probably find Phil fishing. He loved the peace and solitude of spending a day on the water with a little Willie Nelson playing in the background.

Phil returned to Odessa when a MS diagnosis cut short his active, athletic lifestyle. With the determination and attitude of the champion he was, Phil faced this most daunting opponent with strength and dignity, an amazingly resilient and positive attitude, and of course a sense of humor drier than the sandhills. His Madre and Padre were faithfully by his side every step of this arduous journey. Phil, Louise, and Knox shared a bond to be envied and were the ultimate team players. After the death of his parents, Phil continued his fight with the support of family and friends and was able to live in the family home until the last 3 months of his life.

A graveside service celebrating Phillip Eugune Irwin will take place at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 22nd, 2024 at the Andrews County Cemetery, Andrews, Texas. Truman J Warren, Jr DMin, a treasured friend of Team Irwin will lead the celebration.

Pat Edmiston and Lindsay and Clif Zant and the rest of Phil’s family wish to extend a special thanks to Ron Gentry for his loyalty and companionship as he cared for Phil like a brother for over 10 years. We also so appreciate the angels at Ashton Medical Lodge and Hospice of Midland/Odessa for the kindness and lavish attention they poured over Phil.

If desired, memorials in Phil’s name can be made to Pink the Basin or Hospice of Midland/Odessa.

Later, Cuz- You will be missed.