Lewis A. Irwin

Lewis Arthur Irwin, 84, of Black Canyon City, AZ passed away October 23, 2010 at home. Mr. Irwin was born October 16, 1926, the son of John E. Irwin and Della Fern Finch Irwin in Muscatine, IA. He spent his growing up years on a farm near Joy, IL where he graduated from high school in 1945. He joined the army and served most of his duty in Austria during WWII. He was one of the earliest Cold War soldiers. In 1948 he married Mildred B. Fahlgren. They were married 50 years. He attended the Elgin Watch School in the late 50's and was in the last graduating class before it closed. In 1968 he received his Bachelor's Degree from Western Illinois University in Industrial Arts Education. He received his Masters Degree from the University of Illinois/Sangamon Campus in 1974. He spent his teaching career at Galesburg High School and Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, IL. He moved to Arizona in 1984. He was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Black Canyon City as well as an Old Time Fiddler and the NRA and VFW. Over the years he repaired and built many stringed instruments of all types. He built muzzle loading rifles and enjoyed attending rendezvous. He loved music, especially Bluegrass and could play anything with strings. Mr. Irwin is survived by his wife of ten years, Maxine. He is also survived by his daughter and her husband Peggy and Harold White of Cottonwood; grandson Nathan Hagan, his wife Candi and great grandchildren Miciah Hagan, Caleb Lewis Hagan, and Noelle Hagan of Spokane, WA; granddaughter Betsy Midkiff, husband Brandon and great grandchildren Andrew Nahar, Cameron Nahar, and Chloe Midkiff of Cottonwood; and granddaughter Sarah White and her fianc Jacob Mickle of Tempe. He is also survived by his stepchildren Terry and Linda Weckerly of Tucson, Ty and Miriam Weckerly of Phoenix, Coke and Cheryl Weckerly of Camp Verde, Nancy and Boyd Abbot of Peoria and Nicci and Joe Blackman of Kansas. He also has many step grandchildren and great grandchildren Mr. Irwin was a walking encyclopedia who could do anything he set his mind to. He will be sorely missed. A memorial service was held on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at the First Baptist Church of Black Canyon City, AZ at 1 PM. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, Black Canyon City Community Civic Center. An online guestbook is available to sign at www.westcottfuneralhome.com