J. Burdette Irwin

John Burdette Irwin, age 79, of Pittsfield, IL passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at his home.  He was born on March 30, 1943 to John C. and Mary Darlene Bennett Irwin.  He married Rebecca Irwin on January 12, 1980 at her parents’ house and she preceded him in death on September 6, 2021.

Burdette graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1960 and went on to attend Gem City Business College working at various grocery stores while attending high school and college.  He went to work for M.D. King Milling Company and later worked at Brant’s in Pittsfield and Ridders in Quincy repairing typewriters.  He also was custodian at First Bank and Corn Belt Bank in the evenings.  For 26 years, Burdette worked for the Pike County Courthouse as the groundskeeper retiring for a period of time before returning back part time.  He also mowed and did yard maintenance for many residents and businesses in Pittsfield.  Burdette was a longtime member of Pittsfield First Christian Church where he served as Elder, Deacon, Sunday school teacher, groundskeeper, and maintenance man as well as on the Christmas Vesper Choir, in the kitchen at Crossroads, and stepped in as Preacher several times.  He was a good and faithful servant who was dedicated to church, family and community. 

Outside of work and the church, Burdette enjoyed woodworking, cooking, collecting guns and knives, and practice shooting.  He and Becky loved spending their days traveling, camping and fishing with family, taking rides to Grafton to watch the boats go by on the river, going to dinner especially on Fridays for fish, and going on car rides with Bella.  In earlier years, they rode motorcycles and went on jeep rides and he was very active in the Cub Scouts helping children build Pinewood Derby Cars.  Burdette also enjoyed photography, once served as Pittsfield Fall Festival Parade Marshall, and was a member of Pittsfield Masonic Lodge #790 A.F. & A.M.  He was quiet and humble, gentle yet strong, understanding and always took the time to listen.  He was also a good provider for his family and a complete family man.  He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his children, Betty (Steve) Hayden of Pittsfield, Bill (Rhonda) Irwin of Pittsfield, IL, Ryan (Cara) Irwin of Springfield, IL, and Travis (Jeff Sobolewski) Irwin of Spokane, WA; four grandchildren, Clinton (Morgan Deeder) Hayden of Pittsfield, IL, Mariah Irwin of Springfield, IL, Jacob Irwin of Springfield, IL, and Makenna Irwin of Springfield, IL; great grandson, Elijah Hayden of Pittsfield, IL; brother-in-law, Gale (Janet) Boren of Pittsfield, IL; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his beloved dog, Bella.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Becky Irwin and his parents, John C. and Mary Darlene Irwin.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Pittsfield First Christian Church.  Interment will follow at Pittsfield West Cemetery.  Visitation will be held prior to the service on Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the church.  Memorials are suggested to be made to Pittsfield First Christian Church (to be designated for the groundskeeping) or Pittsfield West Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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