William Milas Irwin

December 2, 1919 - September 18, 2008

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Fairview Cemetery - Midland

Monday 9/22, 2:00 pm

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Sunday 9/21, 9:15 pm

William "Bill" Milas Irwin, Jr. was the 10th of eleven children born to William M., Sr. and Daisy Irwin. His birth was celebrated in Crosbyton, Texas on December 2, 1919. He lived with his family there until his father moved the family to Grand Junction, Colorado in 1931 during the depression. He went to school and helped his father farm until he went into the Army during World War II. During the war, he was privileged to serve in the main headquarters and office of General Dwight D. Eisenhower.Upon his return from the war, he farmed with his father until he entered Hardin-Simmons College in the fall of 1947. Shortly after his arrival on campus he met the love of his life, Charlotte Holden, and they were married at East Fourth Street Baptist Church in Big Spring on June 26, 1948.After graduation from Hardin-Simmons, he entered Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. After the birth of his daughter Peggy, he began pastoring and was called to be the pastor at Lake Arthur, New Mexico. In late 1954 he was called to be the pastor at Sand Springs Baptist Church just before his youngest daughter, Debbie, was born. He served there until 1963 when the family moved to Big Spring where he had been teaching school at Boydston Elementary. He taught in the Big Spring ISD until his retirement in 1985. He continued to preach and serve in many of the small churches around Big Spring until he moved to Austin in 1995.He is survived by two daughters, Peggy and husband, Howell Martin of Sweetwater and Debbie Irwin of La Grange; two grandchildren who their Daddy Bill adored, Michael Martin of Forth Worth and Laura and husband, Justin Schlager of Wichita Falls. A special friend of the family, who is like another daughter, Sally Van Duyn and her daughters, Katherine and Emily from La Grange. A host of nieces and nephews who live all over the United States survive their Uncle William, plus a sister-in-law, Faye Irwin of Lubbock.He was greeted at Heaven's gates by his precious wife, Charlotte; his mom and dad; his in-laws, Gladies and George Holden; and all of his brothers and sisters with their spouses; and all the saints who were called home before him.The first to greet him as he was called home on Thursday, September 18, 2008 was his Lord and Savior, who greeted him at he gate and said, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Monday, September 22, 2008 at the First Baptist Church Chapel in Big Spring with his son-in-law, Rev. Howell Martin, officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.The family will receive friends from 4 PM to 6 PM Sunday at the funeral home.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,

Fairview Cemetery - Midland

Monday 9/22, 2:00 pm

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Map

Sunday 9/21, 9:15 pm

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Peggy & Debbie, I am sadened to hear about Mr. Irwin; however, we all know he is in the most wonderful place of all! I was lucky to have both your father and mother as teachers. I had Mr. Irwin for Language Arts in 6th grade. To this day, I am really good with my prepositions! One really funny thing, when anyone needed to go to the restroom, he had this HUGE wooden "Restroom Pass" that we would have to carry! He had such a great sense of humor! Your mother was my English teacher my Junior year and I adored her! I adored them both! I still think of both of them often and can't wait to see them again one day! Regards, Kristi (Wise) Derrick

Bill was a special friend to our family. Our son, John, dearly loved Bill and daughter, Debbie. The family will be in our prayers.

Mr. Irwin taught me in the sixth grade at Moss Elementary, the first year Moss opened. He was a special man and a wonderful teacher and principal. He encouraged us to read everything and to talk about everything--nothing was off limits. He expected nothing less than our best efforts at everything we did. He loved to laugh and enjoyed getting to know his students. My life and the lives of many others were blessed by this special man. My gratitude goes out to his family for sharing him with his many students over the years.

Dear Peggy, Debbie, and family, I have lost touch with you. I hope you remember one of your Sunday School teachers in Ila Smith's Sunday School Department. That has been awhile ago, hasn't it? You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. It is so hard to lose a parent. It's like taking your roots away. But, the nice thing is, you know you will be seeing him again. May our Lord and Savior give you peace and comfort. With love, Clovie

Mr. Irwin was my 5th grade teacher at Boydstun - He was great! He taught us geography by allowing two of us to pick up cokes for our "Coke Break" - then asked us to look on the bottom of the bottle - whoever had the bottle from the city that was the furthest away - got to return the bottles - I learned alot from that exercise. You have my sympathy and prayers - Mr. Irwin touched alot of lives - and was a great example of a good teacher.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We were sorry to hear about Mr. Irwin, but we know he is in a much better place. I remember going to the Irwin's in BS and selling cookies, and the college and career SS parties I crashed there. Mr. Irwin was always so nice and a great Christian man. Our prayers are with you all.Love, Averil Bradford and Lavelle

My dear Peggy and Debbie, what a wonderful legacy your parents have given you! They were among the finest people anyone on this earth. I know it is hard for us, but I am so glad they are reunited. The Lord needed your mom way before we were ready to give her to Him. Yet, your dad still kept his faith and wonderful Christian character. Love, Dwayne

To Peggy: I was Monnie Watkins in elementary school. I don't know if you remember me or not, but I knew you and your family. I always appreciated your parents. They were both great examples of good people who truly lived their Christian faith. Although your dad was never my teacher in school, I remember him as being always kind and caring. Your mom was also a fine person. My husband (Gary Bacon) and I are missionaries to Mexico. We were in Colombia for ten years, and we have worked in Mexico since 1989. God has blessed us greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Debbie and the rest of your family. I just wanted you to know that I remembered and appreciated your dad. May God bless you. Monnie Watkins Bacon

Dearest Deb and Peggy, I met Daddy Bill once at Justin and Laura's wedding. I am sorry I did not get to know him as Justin got to. He thought so much of Daddy Bill. I do know he raised two very special, strong, and lovely women whom I have gotten to know and I love you two dearly. I am so sorry for your loss of your father and for the saddness in your hearts. You are in my thoughts and will be in my prayers.

Peggy and famiy, We are sending our prayers and to you. The tribute to your dad helps us to celebrate his wonderful life with you. Wish we could be there to see you in person. Love and smiles! Tommy & Phyllis & family

Mr. Irwin was a wonderful teacher. He was one of my first teachers I had when I moved here to Big Spring in 1982, I will never forget how caring and friendly he was. I enjoyed very much being in his class. He made quite an impression upon my life. He will be dearly missed.

Bro. Bill was my pastor when I became a Christian on July 10, 1959 and he baptized me the next week. I went to school at Midway with Peggy and Debbie was the same age as my brother, Courtney. I will pray for your family during your time of loss. I rejoice with you in the knowledge that your dad and granddad is home with his Lord and Savior and his loving family. I have many fond memories of the times we shared together.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.