SGM (Ret) Edgar Ramon Irizarry, Sr.

SGM (Ret) Edgar Ramon Irizarry, Sr., son of the late Alfredo Ramon Comas Crespo and Nereida Irizarry, was born October 14, 1937 in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico where he grew up and graduated from high school. Edgar joined the United States National Guard and then enlisted in the United States Army where he served faithfully for 30 years until his retirement and attained the rank of Sergeant Major. Throughout his faithful service, Edgar was an Expert Infantryman and received several awards and commendations; some of which include: Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation w/Palm, Good Conduct Medal (9th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Service ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (1), Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Silver Star, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Edgar and the family moved to the Fort Leonard Wood in 1973 and raised his family here. While still serving in the Army, Edgar worked as a projectionist in every movie theater on Fort Leonard Wood and was the Manager for Baker Theater for many years. After retiring from the Army, Edgar stayed working in the theater and continued to serve the soldiers of the Army as a cook for EDP Enterprises. Edgar was a 33 degree Mason with the Plato Masonic Lodge AF & Am, Scottish Rite - Valley of Joplin, and served as Worshipful Master three times. In his spare time, Edgar enjoyed spending time fishing, camping, collecting 1st Calvary memorabilia of Vietnam, studying military history especially the Civil War, and playing dominos. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family and friends, especially the grandchildren. Edgar passed away Saturday, April 16, 2016, in his home in Waynesville, Missouri having attained the age of 78 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Edgar leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Juanita of Crocker, MO; two daughters, Evelyn Irizarry of Waynesville, MO, and Elizabeth Gaut (Gregory) of Springfield, VA; two sons, Edgar R. Irizarry, Jr of Houston, TX and Edwin D. Irizarry (Shari) of Ketchikan, AK; eight grandchildren: Savanna L. Irizarry, Edgar R. Irizarry, III, Daniel C. Irizarry, Paige E. Gaut, Gabriel M. Irizarry, Alexander X. Irizarry, Isaac E. Irizarry, and Samuel H. Irizarry; three great-grandchildren: Maverick L. Irey, Michelle L. Irey and Myla J. Irizarry; two sisters: Carmen Delia Rivera Irizarry of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico and Carmen Norma Ortiz of Sarasota, FL; and a number of nieces and nephews. Services were held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2016 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Father John Groner officiating. The songs “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, “On the Other Side” and “I Believe” by Dailey & Vincent were played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial Contributions can be made to The Diabetes Assoc. or MDS Cancer Society in memory of Mr. Irizarry, and contributions may be left at the funeral home.

SGM (Ret) Edgar Ramon Irizarry, Sr.

October 14, 1937 - April 16, 2016