Irven Wilhelm, 78 of Deerfield entered into eternal rest on Thursday, January 29, 2015 as a result of an auto accident in Mahoning County. Irven was born on October 28, 1936 in Hamilton, OH, the son of Carl & Marietta (Horner) Wilhelm. Irven attended Ross High School and Hamilton Catholic High School in Ohio. Irven proudly served in the US Army in a tank battalion stationed in Germany from 1954 to 1957. Irven married the former Evelyn Laverne Liming on June 6,1981. They were blessed with 33 years together before passing together in a fatal collision. Irven retired as a welder from General Motors in Lordstown. He also spent many years as a fireman at Champion Paper in Hamilton, Ohio. He was a member of Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church in Berlin Center, where he served on the church council and volunteered many service hours. He was a member of UAW 1714, the American Legion in Harrison, OH, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Warren. He served his community by volunteering at the food bank. Irven was a skilled athlete who played basketball in high school and softball in his adult life. An avid sports fan, he loyally followed his Cincinnati Reds and Bengals throughout his lifetime. His passion for horse racing was strong and he owned a thoroughbred racer for a time. He enjoyed casinos, sports, gardening, and church activities, as well as time with friends and family. Loving memories of Irven will carried on by his daughter & son-in-law, Dorene & Doug Shirey of Medina; grandchildren, Dr. Ryan (Aimee Mepham) Shirey of Winston-Salem, NC; Dr. Kristen (Stephen McDonough) Shirey of Durham, NC; sisters, Roberta Brown of Eaton, Bernice (Andy) Wilhelm-Nelson of San Fransisco, CA, and brother, Carl (Barbara) Wilhelm of Charlotte, NC. Irven was preceded in death by his first wife, Orene Gunter, who passed in 1980; sister, Esther Cross, and brothers Robert and Stanley Wilhelm. He will be also missed by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephew, as well as great-grandnieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held for Irven and Evelyn on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church, 4626 S. Pricetown Rd., Berlin Center, OH 44401. Funeral services will immediately follow at 6:00 pm at the church. Internment will be in Harrison, OH. Memorial contributions may be made to Angels for Animals or Mt. Moriah Social Ministries. Arrangements have been entrusted to James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440, Family and friends may view Irven's obituary online and send condolences to his family at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.