Peter J. Irwin

He was born on July 7, 1934 in East Saint Louis,

Illinois, to Peter and Anne Iwasyszyn. He attended

Catholic grade school in East Saint Louis and attended Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis. He attended Saint Louis University and received his B.S. degree in 1955. He graduated from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1959. He completed his Internship at the Creighton Memorial St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, where he met and married the love of his life, Kathryn Swanson, on June 15, 1960.

After completion of his medical residency in Little Rock in 1965, Peter and Kathy settled in Fort Smith.

His orthopedic practice at Holt Krock Clinic was interrupted during the Vietnam War. Dr. Irwin, LDR, MC, USNR served at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Beaufort, S.C. which was associated with the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island. His two years of service gave him profound respect for everyone who has worn the military uniform.

Having returned to Fort Smith after his service in 1968, Peter continued to grow his orthopedic practice at Holt Krock Clinic until he retired in 1996. He served one term as Chief of Staff and on the Board of Directors at Sparks Hospital. Dr. Irwin was also involved in setting up EMS for this area. Throughout his career, he was a part of many medical organizations, including the Mid-America Orthopedic Association, where he was a founding member. He served in many civic organizations, including the Gregory Kistler Treatment Center for Children, Knights of Columbus, and Leadership Fort Smith. Peter and Kathy are members of Christ the King Catholic Church, where he served on the Parish Counsel and the Columbarium Committee, and sang in the choir.

Peter is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathryn, his brother, Tom Iwasyszyn (wife Hilde), five children: Katie Lilly (husband Bill), Beth Clay (husband David), Amy, Ken (wife Cindy), and Jamie (wife Angela) Irwin, 8 grandchildren (Savannah, Emma and Mary Amelia Clay; Andrew, Jake, Caroline, and Abby Irwin; and Kent Lilly), and by his beloved papillon Topper He is preceded in death by his parents and other family members.

Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith. Viewing with rosary service will be at 6pm August 20, 2017 at Edwards Funeral Home. Funeral Mass with committal of ashes will be at Christ the King Parish at 10am August 21, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ the King Catholic Church or the Gregory Kistler Treatment Center for Children.

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