Vernon Keith Irvin was joyfully escorted into Heaven by his cherished daughter, Becky, on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020 after a brief illness.
The son of the late Elmer Burr Irvin and Evelyn Jaquetta Reed Irvin, Vernon was born March 30, 1928 in Bird City, Kan., and reared in Cheyenne County.
He graduated from Bird City High School in 1945 and attended Denver University. He married the love of his life, Iris Elaine Harding, on Oct. 30, 1949 and settled in Goodland.
Vernon was a devoted husband and beloved father and grandfather. He enthralled his family with his captivating storytelling, recounting the rich heritage of the Kansas Plains, the challenges of the Depression and Dust Bowl years, and many tall tales of his adventures as a young man. He instilled in his children an appreciation for hard work, a dedication to excellence and the value of humor. He loved spending time with his family.
As a member of the “Greatest Generation," he was an extraordinary and highly successful farmer. He was among the first farmers in the area to bring irrigation to his crops. He worked with many of the Sherman County farmers of his generation to promote stewardship, crop diversification, and enhanced management of the rich and highly productive soil of northwest Kansas.
A member of the Kansas Flying Farmers during the 1940s and early 1950s, Vernon, along with his father and brother, Robert, traveled as far as Mexico City with his fellow aviators, landing in fields, dodging storms and executing hair-raising stunts. He was Worshipful Master of the Goodland Masonic Lodge, a member of the Goodland Elks Club and the Goodland United Methodist Church.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert, sister Mary Irvin Brown, and his cherished eldest child Rebecca Jane Irvin Smith.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Iris, and their adoring children Patricia Irvin O’Brien (Terry) of Basehor, Kan., Douglas Irvin (Jeanne) of Goodland, and Michael Irvin (Robin) of Mesa, Ariz., and his son-in-law Michael Smith (Elizabeth) of Tallahassee, Fla.. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a rich legacy and will be dearly missed.
A visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. MT Thursday, January 30, 2020 at the Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.
A graveside burial service with Masonic Rights will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2020 at the Goodland Cemetery in Goodland with Pastor Zach Anderson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to the Goodland United Methodist Church or the Northwest Kansas Sherman County Hospice.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.