Bethany, MO: Joan Darby Irvin, 63, Bethany, MO left this world on Tuesday, July 10, 2018.
Joan was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Willard âBillâ and Helen (Damon) Darby on September 13, 1954. She was a farm girl through and through, and developed a lifelong love of plants and animals growing up barefooted, in the summer, roaming the family farms.
On September 4, 1976, Joan married Mark Irvin. Their married life began in Des Moines, Iowa, but, the seeds of small town were too deep and soon drew them back to Bethany. Another move to Kansas City for careers could not quench the love of country in either of them. They returned with a toddler and a new born to Bethany, to remain the rest of her life.
Joan was a passionate woman, liberal in thought, caring and selfless. She was on the first Bethany Memorial Park Board when it became part of the city. Much of her work is still in evidence. The lighting of the park at Christmas, started by her and dear friend, Carol Barton. The Mayorâs Christmas Tree, and the skate park. Joan and husband, Mark, were in the gas business for eight years in Bethany. Their fireworks business started in 1979 is still a fixture 40 seasons later and the source of countless happy moments. Many a child in Bethany âsoldâ fireworks under the watchful tutelage of Joan, and no child ever left with an empty sack. Her creative crowns and bouquets of fireworks were presented to queens of the 4th of July Parade, her creative efforts making the yearly event a wonderful tribute to their special neighbors, Bill and Liz Hogan. Joanâs love of antiques and collecting led to 35 years of buying and selling, opening her first store on the square in Bethany in 1981. Joan was a real estate agent and broker, and manager of brother, Darrell Darbyâs Appliance and Retail Business, later taking over ownership of the business.
Beyond anything material, Joan loved her family and most everybody she came in contact with. After returning to the antique show business, she left a trail of friends from Florida, to Michigan, to Texas and Arizona. But, her one great fan, grandson, Kellan, stole all of her heart and made everything negative into a positive. Their relationship was so brief but so intensely beautiful. Kellanâs soon to arrive brother will only be able to hear memories of this special woman.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents and two newborn brothers.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 42 years, Mark, of the home; sons, Alex and daughter she never had, Marrisa and grandson, Kellan, all of Eagleville, MO, Nathaniel, Columbia, MO; special love of her life, Angus the Yorkie; brothers, Ron (Sherie) Darby, Darrell (Patty) Darby; sister, Shirley Roberts; nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law, Mary Irvin.
A Celebration of Joanâs Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 16 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. The family will receive friends from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Mayorâs Christmas Tree, City of Bethany in Memory of Joan Darby Irvin in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com