Micah Irving

MICAH EUGENE IRVING was the second of seven children born to Gertha and Carrie Irving on April 24, 1953 in Tulare, California. Micah matriculated through the Tulare Public School District and graduated from Tulare Western High School in 1971. While attending high school Micah was very active in sports, most notably football and wrestling where he set records that remained in place for many years. He also marched in the Tulare Western High School Marching Band, playing saxophone. Immediately out of high school, Micah joined the United States Air Force where he pursued an education in jet engine mechanics.

Micah grew up and was a member of his grandfather’s, Elder Leslie Irving, church, Bethel Temple Church of God in Christ, where he was taught true holiness. Micah was saved and received the holy spirit at the early age of 14 years old while attending church in Corcoran. As his siblings often remarked, Micah received the holy spirit better than all of us as he spoke in tongues throughout the 30-minute ride home from church in Corcoran to Tulare. Micah knew the word of God and as his son remarked “my Dad would quote scriptures in his sleep.”

In 1972 Micah married his high school sweetheart, Sheila M. Brown and to this union was born a daughter, Tameka Roshell Irving. Mike’s passion was trucking. He began driving trucks while working in the trucking business with his father hauling hay. His passion for trucking grew and he began long haul driving. He drove for many companies both locally and nationally such as T&T Hauling, Button Trucking of Stockton, California as well as driving oil tankers for Union 76 and hazmat tankers. Mom would often remark Mike could walk out and get a job driving trucks in a matter of minutes. She would say with pride “That devil knows he can just get out and get a job driving in no time at all”.

Micah moved to Stockton, California in 1985 after his mother and father relocated to the area. Here, he met LaShell McDonald in 1986 and they later married on September 11, 1996. To this union was born a son, Joshua Paul Irving. Joshua became the third child in the family with his two older sisters, Alicia Porter and Clara Breaux. Micah loved his family. As we planned and coordinated family gatherings, he was always there saying “what do you need, I got the meat and don’t hold back”. His affectionate love extended beyond his immediate family to nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles cousins, anyone who was related to him, and so many who were not. He was always so relaxed and at ease when he was with his family.

Micah was preceded in death by his father and mother, Elder Gertha Irving and Mother Carrie Irving. He leaves to cherish his life, his wife LaShell Irving; a daughter, Tameka Irving-Smith (Shawn), Visalia, CA; one son, Joshua Irving (Aerona), Stockton, CA; two devoted step-daughters, Alicia Porter and Clara Breaux, both of Stockton, CA; a god-daughter, Mila Miljanovic, Lodi, CA; three brothers: Leslie Irving (Earainia), Chicago, Ill, Stephen Irving (Jean), Chico, CA, and Gary Irving, Stockton, CA; three sisters: Vivian Irving and Lateshia Irving, both of Oakland, CA and Edona Evans, Stockton, CA. 7 grandchildren: DeShawn, Madison, Maia, and Myles Smith, Yisrael, Moses, and Judah Salcido. 3 greatgrandchildren, 3 aunts, one uncle, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

REMEMBERING UNCLE MIKE

As I look up around in the sky and ponder on thoughts of my loved ones, I can't help to think about all those who have gained their wings to be with our dear father in heaven. I miss my dear grandparents and so many others who are now resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord. I learned that you needed a healing that only our father God in heaven could provide. When God decided to heal, you he gave you your wings and to be resurrected with him and he gave you a complete healing, of no more suffering, no more pain and no more tears of sorrow. You are now surrounded in the presence of the Lord rejoicing, dancing, and your spirit is reigning with peace and joy. Dear Uncle Micah all I ask, now, is that you don't forget to tell my grandparents I love them and I miss them. And always spread your wings over each one of us to protect us as you are now one of God's angels. Thank you, Uncle Micah for your love, your care and making me laugh at my grandparents wedding anniversary. You always kept it real with me and told me the truth. I love you Uncle Micah, rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord.

By: Jeané Irving