John Warren Irvin, 65 of Mechanicsburg, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 8, 2014.
Born August 16, 1948 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Roscoe Allen and Virginia Metz Cahill and received his Bachelors of Divinity from Long Island Bible Institute.
He served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War and continued his service in the PA National Guard. John was a devoted husband, father, friend and brother in Christ and was a member of Full Gospel Church of God, Mechanicsburg.
As a Chaplain and counselor, he honored and bettered his community by giving over 17 years of service to the Bethesda Mission and ministered in various positions throughout his life. His great heart for community was evidenced by his Street Ministry, handing out food, clothing and presents to those in need, and encouraging the men from Bethesda to embrace a life of helping others. Above all, his greatest and most meaningful contribution was his tremendous testimony and his love of Christ.
He leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life, his beloved wife of 28 years, Marsha G. (Smallbrook) Irvin. He will be deeply missed by his children: Traceyann of Pittsburgh, John II of Harrisburg, Danielle of New York City, Maria of Pittsburgh, and Michael, David and Benjamin, all of Mechanicsburg; his two siblings, Shawn Allen and Connie Bailer both of California, and his uncle, Herman Martin of Ohio. John also was blessed with seven adoring grandchildren: Tyree, Atiya, Tayjawna, Zeana, Shemar, Aurlani and Leilani; and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles and extended family. He was loved by and will be missed by all who were blessed by his presence.
His life will be celebrated with a funeral service at his church, Full Gospel Church of God, on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 11:00 am. A viewing will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the church. Immediately following the funeral, he will be interred with military honors at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In addition, a Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 24 at 10:30 am at Bethesda Mission for those unable to attend the funeral service.
Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Bethesda Mission, 611 Reilly Street, Harrisburg, 17105; Full Gospel Church of God, 220 St. John's Church Road, Camp Hill, 17011; or Crossings Hospice of the VNA, 3315 Derry St., Harrisburg, 17111.
Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling the arrangements.