Frank Ross Irby 1931 - 2022
Tom Estes
Frank Ross Irby, born Jun. 4, 1931, in Austin, TX, went to his Heavenly home on Sunday, Jun. 5, 2022 at the age of 91, in Spring, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Hudson Irby and Mabel Ingram Irby, and two brothers, William Irby and Robert Irby.
Frank was a loving and devoted husband to his wife of 68 years, Margaret (Jimi) Irby, and a beloved father to three children, Ross Irby, wife Kay, daughter Sharla Irby Neessen, sons Robert and Tyler Irby; Diane Irby Jefferies, husband David, sons Hayden, Reese, and Kendal Jefferies; Scott Irby, wife Jana, daughter Bayley Irby Applegate and son Braden Irby. In addition to those family members, he leaves behind 4 great-children, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Frank graduated from Plainview High School in 1949, attended Wayland Baptist College, and graduated from North Texas State University in 1953. He was commissioned as a U.S. Navy officer and served for twenty nine years either on active duty or in the Reserves.
He was a long-time businessman, owning Irby’s Five and Dime stores in Kingsville and throughout other parts of the state for over twenty-five years. Frank also retired from banking and started his own lawn service that he enjoyed for over twenty years.
Frank and Jimi were world travelers but moved to Spring, TX in 2014, where they resided until the time of his death.
A funeral service will be held at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary in Kingsville, TX on Saturday, Jun. 11, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Chamberlain Cemetery with military honors.
Pallbearers include his grandsons: Hayden Jefferies, Reese Jefferies, Robert Irby, Tyler Irby, Braden Irby, and Kendal Jefferies. Honorary Pallbearer is Michael (Scooter) Tyra.