Gene Edwin Irvin, 78, Adrian, Missouri died Saturday, December 20, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2014 at the Adrian Optimist Building in Adrian with burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 27, also at the Adrian Optimist Building. Memorial contributions may be made to Adrian Optimist Foundation, Happy Hill Church of God or Adrian Fire Department.

As we celebrate the life of Gene Irvin, may we be forever mindful of this extraordinary man. May we be mindful of his service and dedication to his family, his community and his country. We shall cherish our fond memories of our time with Gene.

Gene was born on March 3, 1936 in Montrose, Mo. to Arthur and Fern (Wilson) Irvin. He attended the Montrose Catholic School for six years and then attended Appleton City School and graduated in 1954. After high school he enrolled at Kansas State Teachers College (Pittsburg State University) in Pittsburg Kansas. Go Gorillas!!!

It was at Pitt State that Gene found his true passion, football. While playing football was a big part of his college life, the friendship and bonds to teammates and classmates proved to be most important. After being a member of the 1957 National Championship Team, he and his team of friends were truly champions. This was something that he held very precious and would apply to everything that he did from that point forward in his life. To endeavor to be a champion at whatever he set out to do. The friendships that he forged during his college years were truly lifelong friendships that endure to this day.

Gene served in the U. S. Marine Corp for eight years. His basic training was at Paris Island, S.C. Anyone that knows anything about Paris Island knows that it's not for sissies. It's a grueling regiment of stress, both physically and mentally. Gene was always very patriotic and was proud of his service to his country.

Gene married the love of his life, Kay Hand, on August 23, 1959. To this union two children were born, Lecia and Lori. Gene and Kay's first date was in 1952. Gene was sixteen and Kay was thirteen. Kay said, "That's OK, he thought that I was fourteen". True love knows no age…knows no bounds. Gene and Kay treasured their fifty five year union.

Gene's love of cars began at the Wells Irvin Chevrolet Dealership in Montrose where he stood alongside his dad in the garage. Later Gene was affiliated with Barrows Chevrolet in Appleton City and with his dealership, The Adrian Service Center in Adrian. As a youth, Gene enjoyed drag racing. Long time friend and confidant Leroy Edmiston first met Gene at the start line on Highway 18 west of Adrian. He said that he knew Gene by his car before he knew Gene.

Gene loved the lake. He loved the early morning serenity, the boating, skiing, swimming, wave runners and nightlife. And once again, the early morning serenity. What Gene enjoyed most of all was sharing this with his family and friends. More times than not, when Kay just wanted a nice relaxing weekend at the lake, Gene chose to invite friends to share in this beautiful part of his life. Gene was a very generous, caring and sharing individual.

Gene was CEO of The Adrian Bank, but most everyone just knew him as a great friend. Gene's life was one of service to others. His service to the Adrian community and beyond is unparalleled. Gene was a charter member of The Adrian Optimist Club (President 1979-80), Member of The Western Mo Antique Tractor and Machinery Association, Crescent Hill Masonic Lodge, The Elks Club and served as Pitt State Alumni President (1984-85). Gene attended the Happy Hill Church of God. Gene gave of himself and his resources daily. There were very few charities and organizations that were not the recipient of his generosity. He was a philanthropist that never strived for accolades. The fact is that he went out of his way to not receive recognition. His joy was in seeing the results of his good deeds, not in being honored for them. Nonetheless, an individual can't do the things that Gene did without someone taking notice. Just a few of his well deserved honors include: Meritorious Achievement Award from Pittsburg State University, Adrian Optimist Lifetime Achievement Award, Adrian Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year, Fifty Year Service Award from the Mo Banker's Association, and was inducted into the Pittsburg State University Athletic Hall of Fame. If there was an Adrian Friend of the Community Award, Gene would have received that too.

Gene is survived by Kay his wife of 55 years, daughters Lecia Irvin and fiancée Kenneth McGuire, Lori Haskins and Husband Paul , one brother J. Roger Irvin and wife Carol, all of Adrian and one sister Janice Irvin of Buckeye, Arizona, and a never ending line of faithful friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Fern Irvin.