Richard Vern Irons
January 28th, 1949 - April 12th, 2026
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Richard's Obituary
Richard Vern Irons, 77, of Baroda, MI, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph.
Richard was born on January 28, 1949, in Lawton, MI, to the late Richard Ray and Esther Louise (Lowry) Irons.
A 1967 graduate of Lawton High School, Richard went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Western Michigan University. He devoted nearly four decades to shaping young lives as a 7th-grade teacher at Coloma Middle School. In addition to teaching, he coached 7th-grade football, mentoring countless students both in the classroom and on the field.
On August 2, 1973, Richard married the love of his life, Linda Doris Yauch, who preceded him in death.
Richard was a passionate Detroit sports fan, faithfully supporting the Tigers, Red Wings, Lions, and Pistons. More than anything, he treasured time spent with his family. He especially enjoyed vacations at Crystal Mountain, where they made lasting memories skiing, golfing, and simply being together. His greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren, and he loved cheering them on in all of their activities.
Richard will be remembered for his dedication to his family, and his students, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter, Tara (Bruce) Modigell of St. Joseph; his grandchildren, Jackson Modigell, Emma Modigell (Ryan), Evelyn Bourion, and Nolan Bourion; and his son-in-law, David Bourion of Kingsley, MI. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Bourion, and his sisters, Janet Perkins and Carolyn “Sue” Packard.
A visitation celebrating Richard’s life will be held on Saturday, April 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Friends wishing to share a message of condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Richard was born on January 28, 1949, in Lawton, MI, to the late Richard Ray and Esther Louise (Lowry) Irons.
A 1967 graduate of Lawton High School, Richard went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Western Michigan University. He devoted nearly four decades to shaping young lives as a 7th-grade teacher at Coloma Middle School. In addition to teaching, he coached 7th-grade football, mentoring countless students both in the classroom and on the field.
On August 2, 1973, Richard married the love of his life, Linda Doris Yauch, who preceded him in death.
Richard was a passionate Detroit sports fan, faithfully supporting the Tigers, Red Wings, Lions, and Pistons. More than anything, he treasured time spent with his family. He especially enjoyed vacations at Crystal Mountain, where they made lasting memories skiing, golfing, and simply being together. His greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren, and he loved cheering them on in all of their activities.
Richard will be remembered for his dedication to his family, and his students, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter, Tara (Bruce) Modigell of St. Joseph; his grandchildren, Jackson Modigell, Emma Modigell (Ryan), Evelyn Bourion, and Nolan Bourion; and his son-in-law, David Bourion of Kingsley, MI. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Bourion, and his sisters, Janet Perkins and Carolyn “Sue” Packard.
A visitation celebrating Richard’s life will be held on Saturday, April 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Friends wishing to share a message of condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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