Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Apr 9, 1950 - Oct 28, 2018
Holding your family close in my thoughts. Sending many prayers to help heal your broken hearts. Love and hugs !!!
Loretta Hatton
October 31, 2018 | East Prairie, MO | Friend
Larry was such a fine man...he delivered peace meals at Mattoon Tower Apartments and was so friendly. He bragged about his grandchildren, was always smiling and brought smiles to those to whom he spoke. It breaks my heart that he left us at such a young age. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for his family. So very sorry for your loss.
Arlene Ammons
October 31, 2018 | Mattoon, IL | Acquaintance
So sorry for your loss Irby family - our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brian and Brandi Haberer
October 31, 2018 | Fishers, IN | Friend
Our sympathy to the Irby family on the loss of Larry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Roger and Barbara Haberer
October 31, 2018 | Mattoon, IL | Friend
Larry was always very supportive and encouraging to me - even when I made some bad choices. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed practical jokes, but was always respectful of boundaries and people's feelings. Above all he loved the Lord and all of his family, both blood and extended. My one regret is not staying in touch better. I will truly miss him.
Bob Schlessman
October 31, 2018 | Palmyra, IL | Friend
You will be missed every moment of every day. I am so blessed to have you as my second dad. You taught me so many things, like how to swing a golf club, how to take care of a family, and the man should always "get the coal". I love you and will love and take care of our family until i see you again on those streets of gold.
Chris Coffey
October 30, 2018 | Bushton, IL | Family
My condolences to the Irby family. So sorry for your loss.
Todd Strong
October 30, 2018 | Acquaintance
Always making me smile.
Grandpa, there are so many things I wish I could say to you, that I wouldve said to you if I knew our time was short. But I hope you knew them in your heart already. I was your number one grandbaby, and you always made me feel so special for that. The love you blessed me with far exceeded even the never-ending Christmas and birthday presents that you always made sure we had. You taught me so much. And you patiently let me teach you, even when it meant precocious little me giving you an...
Kamae Coffey
October 30, 2018 | Charleston, IL | Grandchild
Larry was such an asset to his family & friends. He always wore a smile on his face that was so contagious! What a loss for us all. RIP Larry until we meet again!
Connie Tharp
October 30, 2018 | Westfield, IL | Friend
CHARLESTON, IL – Larry Thomas Irby, age 68 of Charleston, went to his Heavenly Home on Sunday, October 28, 2018. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, with Pastor Parker Boothe officiating. Burial will follow in the Arcola Cemetery in Arcola, Illinois. It is requested that donations in his honor be made to the Bushton Christian Church or to the Peace Meal Senior Nutrition Program. Gifts may be left at the visitation or service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Larry was born April 9, 1950 in Charleston, Illinois, the son of the late William Thomas and Minda Jean (Pinnell) Irby. He married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Vicki L. Gamble on July 6, 1969 at her parent’s home in Bushton, Illinois. In addition to his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, he is survived by two children, Angela Kay Coffey and husband Chris of Bushton and Jason Thomas Irby and wife Tammy of East Prairie, Missouri; four grandchildren whom he adored, Kamae Rose Coffey and Karly Beth Coffey, Drew Thomas Irby and Taryn Marie Irby; and Ravin Matheson, a friend of Karly’s who Larry loved as a granddaughter. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by three half-brothers, Jim, Robert, and Hubert Phipps, and a half sister, Sara Jean Phipps.
Larry was a 1970 graduate of Charleston High School and for 42 years was a dedicated employee of Vesuvius in Charleston. He later went to work for the Peace Meal Senior Nutrition Program, delivering meals on wheels and brightening the spirits of many homebound individuals. He was a faithful member of the Bushton Christian Church where he actively served as a deacon, board member and greeter.
Larry enjoyed walking and running and was gifted with an ear for music. He was a fan of Cardinal baseball, enjoyed fishing and had discovered a love for golf following his formal retirement. Larry’s greatest love was for family. He embraced Vicki’s family as his own and was supportive of his children and grandchildren in all aspects of life – he was their biggest fan. He had a heart for senior citizens and always tried to make someone else’s day just a little better. Larry was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.
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