Charles Lee Irwin

Charles Lee "Chuck" Irwin, beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

He was born to Max Irwin and Charlotte (Laudenslager) Hartman in Niles, Michigan on February 20th, 1937. They preceded him in death as did stepparents Lester Hartman and Joycelyn Irwin; sister Leslie Overmyer; brothers Gayle, Dean, and John Hartman; and step-sister Donna Lou Hover.

Chuck is survived by his children, Elizabeth (Allan) Van Leeuwen of Niles, and Andrew (Holly) Irwin of Granger, Indiana as well as his grandchildren, Amanda D. Van Leeuwen of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Victoria and Olivia Orr of Granger and several nieces and nephews.

He is further survived by his siblings: Judith Robards of Niles, Michigan; Randy (Janet) Irwin of Flagler Beach, Florida; David (Marcia) Irwin of Niles, Michigan; Deborah (Richard) Jimines of Vermontville, Michigan; Robert (Joy) Irwin of Whittier, North Carolina; Max (Marti) Irwin of Canton, Georgia; Marilyn (Ronnie) Irwin of Shelbyville, Michigan; and Mike (Renee) Hartman and Don (Carol) Hartman, both of Niles.

Chuck graduated from Niles High School in 1955 where he played varsity football. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, based in California and proudly served aboard the USS Frontier (AD-25). During his service, he traveled extensively, including time in the Philippines and Japan, collecting many stories that he loved to share. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and was recommended for reenlistment, but chose instead to return home to Michigan to start a family.

He was a commercial plumber by trade and worked in countless schools and commercial buildings in the Michiana area. He was a career-long member of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 166.

Chuck devoted nearly 50 years to serving youth as a leader in Royal Rangers and the Boy Scouts, where he had a special passion for gun safety education. He taught hunter education for the Bend of the River Conservation Club, ran the gun range for Boy Scouts at Camp Tamarack, and taught firearm safety wherever he could. (He may also be remembered as the only gun safety instructor to ever accidentally shoot himself in the foot, a story he shared in good humor).

An avid outdoorsman, Chuck loved fishing and camping, having camped throughout the state of Michigan with the Rangers and Scouts and enjoyed his final camping trip this past summer at Camp Tamarack in Jones.

He also had a deep love for aviation, earning his pilot's license in 1978 and becoming a proud member of AOPA. Some of his fondest memories were flying over the Michiana area with his young family. When he wasn't at work or home, he could often be found at the Elkhart Municipal Airport.

Chuck served for many years on the Howard Township Tax Tribunal Board and was a proud member of the NRA.

Locally, he was known as a familiar and friendly fixture at area cafés and restaurants, spending countless hours enjoying coffee, conversation, and camaraderie with fellow regulars.

A visitation will be held for Chuck on Tuesday, February 3rd, at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel from 10:00am-11:00am, with funeral services beginning at 11:00am.

Chuck will be laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date.

Chuck will be remembered for his devotion to family, service to youth, love of the outdoors and aviation, his patriotism, and the stories and humor he shared throughout his life.