Harold D Irby, Phd

Harold D. Irby, PhD of Taylor passed on May 12, 2016, at the age of 89.

Dr. Irby was born in San Antonio on May 2, 1927, the son of Jack and Frieda Irby. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1945. In 1950, he married Mary Bonewitz in San Antonio, and he continued his naval service until he was honorably discharged in 1952. Dr. Irby and his wife celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in March 2016. Dr. Irby earned his B.S. degree (Wildlife Management) from Texas A&M University in 1954 and his PhD from the University of Arizona in 1964. He worked with numerous wildlife-related organizations, including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and the Texas General Land Office. Also, he served as an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University (Wildlife Science Department). Dr. Irby was an accomplished wildlife artist, and he enjoyed bird watching, reading, and traveling with his wife. Dr. Irby was a Life Member of The Wildlife Society, a member of the Texas Wildlife Society, and a Century Club member of the Texas A&M Association of Former Students.

Dr. Irby is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughters, Kerry Smith (Chris) of Bainbridge Island, WA, Markie Nathan (Keith) of Bozeman, MT, Heather Sherman (Allan) of Dallas, TX; and his grandsons, Lee Nathan (Amanda) and Joseph Nathan. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his Aunt Liesel Zenner, and his brothers, Harry Irby (Corrine) and Clinton Irby (Zula).

The family plans a private memorial service in the future. Memorial donations in Dr. Irby's honor may be made to organizations of the donor's choice that support the protections of endangered wildlife species.
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