Howard W. "Skeeter" Irrgang

Fayette County native, Howard W. “Skeeter” Irrgang, 86, died Tuesday morning, March 27, 2012, at Caroleton Manor Nursing Home where he had resided since June. Howard was born May 14, 1925 to George C., Sr. and Audrey L. Hudson Irrgang and attended school at Bunker Hill, Connersville and Liberty. He served three years with the U.S. Army 96th Infantry Division and the 25th Division Military Police. His military distinctions included the Purple Heart Award. Howard was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, AMVETS and Veterans of Foreign Wars. For many years, he farmed in the Everton and Orange communities and developed a passion for collecting and restoring tractors. In 1986, Howard retired from the Connersville Post Office following 25 years of employment as a mail carrier. Howard was an avid fisherman and looked forward to fishing trips to Louisiana each year with friends. He most enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Howard is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Mary Alice Allen, whom he married July 29, 1950 at the Everton Methodist Church; daughter: Luann Irrgang of Connersville; three grandsons and their wives: Chad Cranfill and Heather, Jeremy Cranfill and Kristy, all of Connersville; Jason Irrgang of Ft Wayne; five great-grandchildren: Chase Irrgang; Regan, Makayla, Maranda and Matthew Cranfill; sister: “Peg” Rowland of Connersville; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Howard is preceded in death by two sons: Mark and Terry Irrgang; sister: Geraldine ; three brothers: George “Dago”, Jr., Paul “Doc” and Raymond “Paul” Irrgang. A Celebration of Howard’s life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Pastor Fuzzy Lake officiating. Interment will follow in Everton Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday where memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.