Everett W. "Bill" Irby Jr.

age 80, passed away Friday, April 28, 2017 after an extended illness. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years GeJuan (nee Webber); two cherished daughters, Dody (Bobby) Russell of Griffith, IN, and Dawn (George) Kovacich of Highland, IN; three adored grandchildren, Kyle (Nicolle) Krause of Valparaiso, IN, Nick (Alyse) Kovacich of Gary, IN, and Mary Kovacich of Highland, IN; two sister-in-laws, Janet (Gerry) Reeves of Springtown, TX and Martha (Ed) Lomeli of Hammond, IN; nephews Don Irby, David (Desi) Irby, Ed (Janille) Lomeli, Marco Lomeli, Rick (Shawn) Reeves and niece Margaret Moore. Preceded in death by his parents Everett W. Irby, Sr. and Amy (nee McGaughey) Irby, Brothers Gene (Dorothy), Donald (Edith) and Sister Louise (Rich) Smiddy.

Bill was born June 13, 1936 in Hammond, IN where he was a lifelong resident and Graduate of Hammond Tech High School. He enjoyed a long career with Nipsco where he started in the street department in 1953, retired as a supervisor in 1993, and was extremely active in the Nipsco Public Service Club for many years. Bill then put his various talents to use in his 2 ^nd career as a Building Inspector for the City of Hammond where he spent 16 years before retiring as a Plumbing and Heating Inspector to enjoy his family in 2011.

In addition to his careers, Bill was a devoted advocate for the City of Hammond where he spent a number of years in various capacities including Democratic Precinct Committeeman, Hammond Park Board member, and founding member of the Augustfest Committee. Bill was also a member of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association where he learned of the idea of developing abandoned rail easements into bike paths which he presented to Mayor Tom McDermott, Sr. as a potential benefit to Hammond and Northwest Indiana. Bill was also active in the Hammond Gavit Booster Club, serving as President for a number of years and acting as an advocate for equal rights for women's athletics. Bill was a 32 ^nd Degree Mason, received his 50 Year Pin and a member of the Indiana Masons, McKinley Lodge No. 712 and the Grottoes of North America Humanitarian Foundation.

Bill was a man of numerous interests and was always eager to lend a compassionate ear. His life was filled with an untold number of friends who gave him immeasurable joy and that he cared for deeply. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion that will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. He will be especially missed by his loving family who now know that they have a special light in heaven watching over them.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, May 2, 2017 from 3:00-8:00 PM At the Solan Pruzin Funeral Home & Crematory 14 Kennedy Ave Schererville, IN with a Masonic Service at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, May 4, 2017  at 11:00 AM with Pastor Scott Ferry officiating. Bill will be laid to rest at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Schererville. In lieu of flowers donations in Bill's honor may be made to the Salvation Army or to St. Jude Charities.

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