We wanted to let you all know that Steve’s father, Glenn Irwin, was taken Home to Heaven on Thursday morning, March 31st.

Mom told us that he went to his bedroom to lie down at about 6 PM on Wednesday night. When she was ready for bed, she locked up and turned off most of the lights, but the light was still on under his door. 

In the morning, she called to wake him for breakfast, but he did not respond. So a friend came over to help and they decided to call 911. The EMTs confirmed that Dad’s mortal body was no longer functioning.

We are confident that He is with our loving Lord whom He served as a missionary his entire adult life. Dad was not reluctant for his earthly pilgrimage to come to an end. He was suffering from diabetes and liver cancer and struggled to walk. He depended on a little electric cart to get around the house.

Mom (Mary Irwin) is handling this very well. My brother, Lee and his wife Crystal, drove down yesterday from their home in Washington state and I will be flying to San Jose on Wednesday to spend some time with her. Then my sister, Sandy, and her husband Lowell will be travelling out from Atlanta to accompany her, as well.

Naturally, it was an emotional blow to receive the news, but we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Dad lived a long, fruitful life and he was very ready to board the express flight to his Eternal Home.

Thank you so much for your loving friendship and support,

Steve & Eida Irwin
Ethnos360
Spanish Language Resources

OBITUARY

Glenn Alvis Irwin, age 91, was born February 26, 1931 to Arthur and Estelle Irwin in Huntington Park, CA. He went to be with the Lord March 31, 2022 in San Jose, CA.

He grew up on a truck farm in Temple City, and came to faith in Christ at San Gabriel Union Church at 9 years of age. From the time he was 13 he had a part-time job driving a garbage truck. From there, the family moved to Bakersfield, then on to San Jose, where he graduated from Lincoln High School. Glenn was an active member of First Baptist Church of San Jose, where he sang with a men’s gospel quartet that toured Cuba.

He enrolled in the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (BIOLA), where he met and married Mary Zinke. They both felt God’s call to missions and after graduation in 1954, they joined the Orinoco River Mission (which later merged with TEAM) and served in Eastern Venezuela where Glenn pastored five churches and served in administrative positions. He was also known for his powerful singing and speaking voice. Glenn made many good friends because he never met a stranger and spoke excellent Spanish. He had a particular interest in helping aboriginal people who needed assistance when they came out of the jungle for medical and government services.

He loved music and passed that on to his kids at an early age via his eclectic record collection and he loved Christmas. He also enjoyed growing food and raising farm animals when he had the opportunity and he loved camping and hunting and fishing.

Glenn and Mary retired after serving for 40 years in Venezuela. Back in San Jose, he enjoyed leading a senior class at Church on the Hill and spent much time reaching out to friends and former co-workers who were scattered throughout the country as well as in Venezuela. 

He is survived by his brother Edward Irwin (Billie Jean); his children: Stephen Irwin (Eida) of Florida, Victoria Barclay of Texas, Richard Irwin (Rebecca) of Oregon, Sandra Fast (Lowell) of Georgia, David Irwin (Stacey) of California, Leland Irwin (Crystal) of Washington; 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. An open house to celebrate Glenn’s life will be hosted at a future date. The family will notify friends and loved ones when that is scheduled.

Mary asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to Ethnos360, 312 W First St., Sanford, FL 32771, designated to Irwin Account #505600.