George Irwin

George Michael Irwin peacefully went to his eternal reward on June 15 at the age of 83 at Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Clesi Irwin, in 1990, two infant sons, infant grandson, brother Phillip Abell, stepson Drew Decell and parents Lester J. Irwin and Susanne O. Irwin. He was a native and resident of New Orleans until he moved to Baton Rouge after hurricane Katrina and loved living here.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Pat Decell Irwin, daughter Cynthia I. Boudreaux (Terry), son Timothy L. Irwin (Maria), daughter Allison I. Smith (Keith), stepchildren Ralph (Sherry) Decell, Don (Kay) Decell, Anne Decell, Steve (Becky) Decell, Keith (Lauri) Decell, Kay D. (David) foreman, Louis (Karen) Decell and Mary D. (Richard) Joseph.

Also grandchildren: Andre' and Renee' Boudreaux, Amelia M. (Kevin) Goding, Gabriella, Antonina and Giulia Irwin and David (Lauren) and Christopher Smith. Plus step-grandchildren: Jenny D. Istre and Ryan (Melissa) Decell, Heather Decell and Amy D. (Scott) Puckett, Courtney, Lacey and Matt Decell, Hunter (Amanda) and Chelsea D. (Scott) Nichols, Brandon, Blake, Elizabeth and Will Foreman, Max and Mickey Decell and Caroline and Rachel Joseph. Also, several great grandchildren.

George attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and Jesuit High School. He was always happy to be a Blue Jay where he ran the 440 on the track team.

He graduated from LSU with a degree in chemical engineering. He was a member of the Air Force ROTC. Upon graduation, He was first stationed to Cheyenne, Wy and then to Nigata, Japan where his daughter Cindy was born.

Upon discharge, He went to work for the predecessor of E.L.I., Inc. in December, 1957 and continued to work there until he retired in 1997. He was privileged to be president of E.L.I. for 14 years. After retirement he continued to work part time until the last two months.

His lifelong hobby was gardening. He would have loved to work in his garden every day if time had permitted.

He was a dedicated member of the St. Vincent DePaul society in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge for almost twenty years. He worked diligently for the Tarahumara Children's Hospital fund, a Jesuit mission to the Tarahumara Indians in Creel, Mexico. in a volunteer capacity. He served as president, vice-president and bookkeeper until now. He also was a man of Manresa, group #50.

George was a very active friend of Bill W. for almost 38 years. That was a very important part of his life.

Visitation will be on Monday, June 20, at St. George Catholic Church on Siegen lane in Baton Rouge, LA beginning at 9 until the funeral mass at 11. A reception in the Kleinpeter Activity Center next door will follow. George chose to be cremated and his cremains will be transported on Tuesday to be inurned in All Saint's Mausoleum at Lakelawn Cemetery in New Orleans, LA next to Carolyn at 10 am promptly.

In lieu of flowers he requested donations to TCHF (Tarahumara Childrens Hospital Fund), 310 W. William David Parkway, Metairie, LA 70005 or to Jesuit High School, 4133 banks street, New Orleans 70119.

He was adored by all his family and will be forever missed.

Visitation

St. George Catholic Church
7808 St. George Drive
Baton Rouge, LA  70809
Monday, June 20, 2016
9:00 am - 11:00 am

Service

Mass of Christian Burial

St. George Catholic Church
7808 St. George Drive
Baton Rouge, LA  70809
Monday, June 20, 2016
11:00 am