Robert C. Irvin

Robert C. Irvin, 68, of Coloma, MI, passed away at his home on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, St. Joseph, MI. Robert was born February 9, 1938, in Williamsport, PA, to Charles Albert and Constance (Bower) Irvin. He was a 1956 graduate of Coloma High School, and also a graduate of Western Michigan University, receiving a Bachelors Degree in History and Pschology, and a Masters in Educational Leadership. On January 28, 1961, at the Methodist Church in Coloma, he married his high school sweetheart Norma Jane Kelley. Robert was in law enforcement for app. 8 years, having started as a beat cop on the Benton Harbor Police Dept., and then he was instrumental in starting the Youth Bureau in the dept. where he was a detective, and later on moved to the Flint Michigan Police Dept.. Bob started his 30 year career in education in the Coloma School District as a teacher, coach and athletic director. He was then appointed Berrien Springs High School assistant principal and athletic director in 1990, and became high school principal in 1996. In 2003 he was appointed superintendent, and retired in 2005. Bob was a member of the Rotary of Berrien Springs, a longtime active member of the YMCA, and a former Lions Club member. Bob was a good husband, father, grandfather, friend, leader, and someone we’ll all miss tremendously. Robert is survived by his wife of over 45 years, Norma Jane; his three children, Kelley (Roger) Akre of Benton Harbor, Kathryn (Joe) Effa of Stevensville, and Robert (Stacey) Irvin of Coloma; five grandchildren, Zachary, Garrett and Sam Effa, Jacob and Jason Irvin; three step grandchildren, Greg and Jackie Akre and Justin Mistin; and two sisters, Constance Irvin of Ft. Myers, FL, and Elizabeth (Phillip) Kolker of Baltimore, MD. Preceding him in death are his parents-Charles and Constance. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 28, 11:30 a.m., at the First Church of God, St. Joseph, MI, with Pastor Bob Confer officiating. Burial will follow at the Coloma Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, Dec. 27, from 5:00-8:00 p.m., at the Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, St. Joseph, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the Berrien County Cancer Service, or to Hospice At Home. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence, or to sign the family guestbook, may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com