Tim Shepard Irons

On May 24, 2024, Tim Shepard Irons went home to Jesus surrounded by family members at the VA Medical Center in Marion, Illinois.  The staff at the veterans hospital was exceedingly thoughtful and caring, which was very helpful and comforting to the family.  

Tim was born on December 5, 1949 in Oak Park, Illinois to Kenneth and Frances (Shepard) Irons.  He grew up in Itasca, Illinois.  He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Japan, the Philippines and Cuba.  When returning home, he studied communication at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.  During this time period, he met Donna Jean McGee and they were married on August 19, 1978 at Union Hill Christian Church.  

Tim cherished nothing more in life than his children.  Tim and Donna first had a daughter and then three sons.  His daughter April is a world traveler who teaches English in China.  His oldest son Benjamin loves technology and works as a programmer in Fishers, Indiana.   His middle son Samuel is a weather fanatic who graduated from OU and currently works at Hobby Lobby in Carbondale.  His youngest son Joseph took after him and enlisted in the Air Force and is currently stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.  When they were little, Tim adored nothing more than getting on the floor and playing toys and games with his children.  His children always knew they were loved as their dad would brag on them to everyone he met.  

Tim worked at Handleman Company for over 25 years.  In 2011, he started working at the electronics department at Walmart in Carbondale, Illinois.  Although he was not the most tech savvy person, he had compassion for older customers who were overwhelmed by the latest technology and went out of his way to assist them with purchases and setting up new devices.  He worked there up until his death.  Walmart was like a second family to him.  He was very beloved by his co-workers, and he often regaled them with stories and details about his daughter and sons.  In fact, one of the last things he said to his family on his deathbed was “pray for the Walmart employees.”  

Tim was a member of Calvary Campus Church.  He served as an usher and he aided his wife with the children’s program, often taking the role of playing with the kids in the toy room just as he had done with his own children.  

Tim was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother Robert; a beloved aunt Arlene Irons; and his parents-in law: Philip and Jeanette McGee.  

He is survived by his wife Donna Irons; children: April Irons, Benjamin Irons, Samuel Irons and Joseph Irons; sister Joan Kernan; brother Bill (Cyndy) Irons; brothers-in-law:  Steve McGee, Glenn (Julie) McGee and Kent (Stacey) McGee; nieces and nephews:   Robert (Bessie) Kernan, Kevin (Erin) Kernan, Candy (Phillip) Hernandez, Abby (Jeremy) Leitzen, Molly (Tom) O’Connor, Caleb McGee, Nathan (Lacey) McGee, Scott (Emily) McGee, William (Takisha) Spradlin, Kelsee Phelps and Katlyn (Charles) Ragland; many great nieces and nephews; and his childhood best friend Mike (Diana) Chylewski.   

On Sunday, June 2, 2024 at Calvary Campus Church in Carbondale, Illinois, there will be a visitation at 2:00 PM and a memorial service at 4:00 PM.  Proceeding the service, there will be a meal at Drury Christian Church in Carbondale at around 5:30 PM.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Donna Irons to help pay for funeral expenses.  

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Tim, visit www.meredithfh.com.