Willie Ronald Irvin, aged 81, entered Heaven’s Gates on March 25, 2020.   

Ronnie was born January 12th, 1939 in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, the son of the late Audie C. Irvin and Nancy Agnes (Emberton) Irvin. He was the youngest of 5 children and was born in a log cabin with a dirt floor. His parents worked as sharecroppers in the early days, constantly moving around Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee through much of his childhood. After leaving the Marines, Ronnie met and married Norma Ruth Nibbelin in September 1960.  Shortly after, they were blessed with 2 children, Linda and Brian. Among his many achievements, he was a former Marine, an expert carpenter, had a 30+ year career as a boilermaker (Peoria, Illinois Local 60), and also spent 10 years as his union’s business agent. In his spare time, Ronnie farmed, raised cattle, and loved traveling to places like Myrtle Beach, SC.  He was happiest when he was working, and he built 3 new homes and completely remodeled 2 others over the course of his life.  Once retired, Ronnie resided on his farm in Missouri where he enjoyed looking after his cattle and horses, and had a passion for owning and operating heavy equipment such as bulldozers and drilling rigs. 

Ronnie is survived by his 2 children: Linda Sue Eli of Grain Valley, MO, and Brian Lee Irvin of Lebanon, MO; son-in-law, Aaron Eli; 5 granddaughters: Brandy Lawler and Shaila Johnson, both of Springfield, MO, and Casey Campbell, Tory French, and Carly French, all of Grain Valley; and 9 great-grandchildren: Reese & Ava Lawler, Cameron & Parker Johnson, Adelyn & Emma Caswell, Everett Campbell, and Presley & Marley Silva. 

Ronnie will be forever missed by his family and friends and remembered as a wonderful father and grandfather. A graveside service will be held in Tompkinsville, KY at a later date.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO   816-847-4441