Owen Irby, age 87, of Electra, Texas, passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Rosary and vigil service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 11, 2022, at St. Paul Catholic Church of Electra.  Mass will begin immediately following, with Rev. Joseph Moreno, officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Electra.

Owen was born October 30, 1934 in Electra, Texas to the late Judson Jones Irby and Anne Noreen Kenworthy Irby.

In 1955, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy where he served overseas for two years.  After his discharge from the Navy, Owen worked for the railroad in Brigham City, Utah.

Owen married Gayle Yvonne Darland on July 14, 1962 in Brigham City, Utah.  Upon their return to Electra, he started a long career with the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement.

He mowed the Mt. Carmel Cemetery and the Punkin Center Fire Department, where he was a long-time volunteer until his health no longer allowed, for many years as a part of his service to his community.  Owen loved telling whopper stories to his family and friends.  Hunting and fishing were among his greatest hobbies.  Owen loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren fiercely.  He was a long-time member of St. Paul Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Gayle Irby of Electra; one daughter, Donna Soendker and husband, Vince of Electra; two granddaughters, Kendall Gonzales and husband, Franky of Electra and Kristen Stewart and husband, Nic of Iowa Park; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Claude and Myrna Walker of Electra; and seven great-grandchildren, Taryn, Kyleigh, Hannah, Canaan, Gavin, Rowen and Felix.

He was also preceded in death by his granddaughter, Misty Reis on July 25, 2014; and his two sisters, Mary and Celine.