Hardy H. Irby

Hardy Hooper Irby, 90, of Bucyrus, died Monday, June 26, 2017 at Orchard Park.



He was born June 15, 1927 in Jackson, Mississippi to the late William H. and Ethel (Jay) Irby. Hardy’s childhood allowed him to experience various cities as his dad worked construction which kept the family on the move. In 1945, he enlisted in the US Army and a few years later he joined the US Navy. As a sailor, stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas, he met Dolores Campion and they married on December 20, 1950. Following his time in the service, Hardy and Dolores lived in Corpus Christi until moving to Bucyrus in 1959. They were married for 66 years before her death in January of this year.



Hardy spent 24 years with Whirlpool before his retirement but his real passion was flying airplanes. He began flying on a Stearman at the age of 19 and this passion lasted well into his 80s. He flew extensively and instructed students in every city that he lived and while in Bucyrus he was very active in leading the Air Explorers. He dabbled in photography, enjoyed building balsa wood airplanes and loved gathering with family during the holidays as it brought everyone together.



He is survived by sons, Mark Irby of Supply, North Carolina and Cory (Karen) Irby of Lynn Haven, Florida; daughter, Jennifer Irby of Bucyrus; granddaughters, Briana Irby, Colette (Mickey) Mink and Stephanie Irby; grandsons, Ryan (Wynne) Irby and Daniel (Marieleen) Irby; great granddaughters, Serena, Jada and Isabella; brother, Thomas (Carol) Irby; sister, Alice Hill as well as many nieces and nephews.



In addition to Dolores, Hardy is preceded in death by a brother, Harold Irby and sisters, Victoria (Danner) Null and Jenny Doris (Aubrey) Dean.



Hardy will be laid to rest in the Oakwood Cemetery Columbarium. His memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1600 Marion Road, Bucyrus with Pastor Ken Lance officiating. Military Rites will be provided by the US Navy Honor Guard.



His family specifically request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Calvary Baptist Church and given through Wise Funeral Service who is serving the Irby family through their loss.