Thomas B. Irvin

Thomas Bryson Irvin "Tom" of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home, amongst his loving family, on April 24th, 2021. He is survived by his beloved wife, Eleanor M. Wagoner, his three loving sons, Jeff, John, and Tommy, and his dear granddaughter, Kristen Irvin. He is also survived by two adored step-daughters, Kristi Shelloner and Melissa Claudio, as well as his devoted step-grandsons and granddaughters, Jonas Shellenberger, Schuyler Shelloner, Hannah Steinke (Flynn), Vijil Mavronas (Spiros), and Christian Claudio.

He was pre-deceased by his father, William Davis Irvin, Family Court Judge in Augusta, Georgia, his mother, Bessie Phillips Irvin of Denver, Colorado, and his former wife, Caroline Buck Irvin. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and large extended family, including his cousin, Irvin Pund, who enriched his life so much, and his maternal cousins, Mary Margaret and Don Bagwell.

Mr. Irvin was born in Augusta, GA on July 11, 1929. He moved to Charlotte, NC at age 6, and remained in Charlotte until graduating from high school. He subsequently attended Pfeiffer College in Misenheimer, NC, before joining the Army in 1950. He was assigned to the 40th California National Guard and was deployed to Japan and Korea during the Korean Conflict.

In 1956 Mr. Irvin graduated with a BS degree from Indiana State University 1956 and with an MA degree from the University of Minnesota in 1960. He taught Junior High School special education students in St. Paul, MN for three years, before working for the Minnesota State Department of Education as Director of Special Education.

In 1966, Mr. Irvin joined the U.S. Department of Education-and continued working with the Department for over 30 years in many different roles, including serving as a policy officer involved in drafting regulations related to the education of children with disabilities. Of great importance to all children with learning challenges, he drafted the regulations for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) which are still, today, being implemented in every State. In 1994 he was detailed for two years, as a legislative fellow to the United States Senate to assist in the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

He retired in 2007, and began serving as a dedicated volunteer with Senior Services of Alexandria in delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors in Alexandria VA. He later became a Member of the Board for Senior Services of Alexandria.

A memorial service will be conducted in the chapel at Everly Wheatley Funeral Home, Alexandria, VA. Please check their website for specific details. The memorial service will be live-streamed, for those who are unable to attend. Please click on the link below to view on the day of service. Interment, at a later date, will be at Foothills Garden of Memories Cemetery in Longmont, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to Senior Services of Alexandria, 206 N. Washington Street Suite #301 Alexandria, VA 22314 is encouraged.

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