Irwin Wason Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

Dr. Irwin Thomas Wason passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025 in Elyria, Ohio at the age of 94. A private family service was held July 19th in Elyria. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.Irwin was born in Rangoon, Burma (November 10, 2025 would have been his 95th earthly birthday). At the age of 11, his family became refugees when the Japanese invaded and occupied the country. After the war he earned a medical degree at the University of Rangoon and began his professional career as staff physician to the Burmah Oil Company. Immigrating to the United States in 1962, he practiced at Huron Road Hospital, Booth Memorial Hospital, and numerous family planning clinics in the Cleveland area.For decades, Irwin T. Wason M.D., F.A.C.O.G. was an OB/GYN with Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in Cleveland Heights, delivering over 10,000 babies throughout his career. After retirement he continued a part-time practice serving the health care needs of female inmates at the Justice Center in downtown Cleveland.Irwin met the love of his life, Martha Farnham, while she was a missionary in Burma. Music was a constant in their lives – they met when the Baptist and the Methodist churches in Rangoon got together at Christmas to organize a program – he played the piano, she directed the choir. They married July 8, 1962 in the chapel of Martha's alma mater, Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio.Irwin and Martha raised their family in East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights, their homes were known in the neighborhood for his well-tended flower and vegetable gardens, and as the gathering place for countless family and community events, always accompanied by endless food, music, and fun. Eventually they retired to a senior living community on the West side, settling at Wesleyan Meadows and Village in Elyria where they spent their final time together.Diversity was at the core of their relationship. They lived their deep Christian faith through constant activity at Windermere UMC in East Cleveland, Church of the Redeemer in Cleveland Heights, the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, Elyria First UMC, and by living communally in 1972-73 at Cleveland's Religious House, which later became the Institute for Cultural Affairs. They always worked to welcome people of all races and cultures wherever they were active, especially at the East Cleveland Community Theater where they appeared together in productions for more than 20 years.His unparalleled life as "Irwin of Burma" – from prisoner of war to physician and devoted family man, from Rangoon to Cleveland, from classical pianist, cook, gardener, singer, actor, and that gleeful geezer bringing his personal tambourine and bubbles to church and social events – was a gift we will always cherish.Irwin was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy in 1944, his sister Doreen "Doe" in 1966, His father William in 1976, and his sister Barbara "Babs" in 2009.Irwin is survived by his wife of 63 years, Martha; son Jeff Wason (Julie) of Ann Arbor, MI; daughter Suzanne Wason of Austin, TX; daughter Beth Wason-Nelson (Sid) of Evansville, IN; son Mike Wason (Jen) of Cleveland Hts.; grandchildren Grace Nelson (Tyler Horoho), Paul Wason, Ella Nelson, Zurina Wason-Carrington, Joe Nelson, and David Wason; and numerous extended family members and friends.Remembrances can be sent to Martha c/o Mike Wason, 3713 Woodridge Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44121.

Dr. Irwin Wason

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