Les Irvin "Ol Dads"

Born on August 15, 1958, in Eldorado, Illinois, to Rea Kiefer, Les learned early in life the value of resilience. He always carried a fierce sense of responsibility for those he loved, especially his siblings. That determination would become a defining characteristic throughout his life.

After high school, Les joined the United States Navy. During that time, he welcomed his first son, Joe. Following his military service, he worked in the Oklahoma oil fields before eventually settling in Texas in 1985, where he built a career delivering fresh-baked goods for Wonder Bread and later Hostess. It was in Dallas that he welcomed his second son, Zachary.

When health challenges forced him to leave bread delivery behind, Les refused to let adversity define him. Resourceful and hardworking, he built a new path, landscaping and eventually owning and operating his own roofing company. If something needed fixing, chances were Les could figure it out. If Bindy told Les to do something, chances are Les did it.

The greatest transformation of Les's life came through his faith. After overcoming addiction, he dedicated himself to recovery and became a living example of hope, celebrating more than 15 years of sobriety. He often credited God with giving him a second chance at life, and he never hesitated to encourage someone else who was struggling.

In the mid-1990s, while managing rental property, Les met a young mother named Bindy. Though life took them in different directions for a time, God had other plans. They reunited years later and were married on September 18, 2015, building a life rooted in faith, perseverance, laughter, and unconditional love.

Les was a devoted member and deacon at The Way Church in Seagoville. He never met a stranger. Whether someone needed a helping hand, a prayer, a roof repaired, or simply someone to talk to (or overtalk), Les was there. His heart for serving others was genuine, and he found joy in giving far more than receiving.

More than anything, Les treasured his family. He was a proud husband, a loving father, a devoted stepfather who embraced his children as his own, and a deeply cherished PaPa and Pop Pop. His greatest happiness came from time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories filled with laughter, stories, and love.

Les is survived by his wife of nearly 11 years, Bindy Shafer Locklin; his beloved mother, Rea Stock; his son, Joe Irvin Jr. and wife Ashley; his stepchildren, Jaime Lynn Locklin, Wesley Locklin and wife Sam, and Jay Locklin and wife Danielle; his grandchildren, Grace, Hanna, Canaan, Elyssa, Miley, Tyler, Allie, Jaxon, Raelynn, Jaylynne, Kinsey, and Liam; his great-grandchildren, Haisley, Zaiden, and Briarlynn; his siblings, Deborah Bittick and husband Gary, Steve Irvin and wife Shelly, Patty Leffers, and Ronnie Irvin and wife Crystal; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, brothers and sisters in Christ, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his kindness.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Zachary Paul Irvin, and his stepfather, Roger Stock.

Although his family grieves his loss, they rejoice in knowing that Les's faith has become sight. They find comfort in imagining the joyful reunion he now shares with Zach and with the Lord he faithfully served. His legacy of redemption, generosity, unwavering faith, and unconditional love will continue to live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.