Harold Mercer Irwin (known as “Hal” to his friends and family)died Sunday morning, Nov. 14, at his home. He had courageouslybattled esophageal cancer for almost a year before losing thefight. He was surrounded by his family at the time of hisdeath.

Hal was born on Oct. 24, 1952, in Jackson. He was 58 years old andhas lived in Clinton for the past 22 years. His parents, Harold D.Irwin and Agnes W. Irwin, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Rhonda Lupo Irwin, ofClinton; his children, Emily Nicole Irwin and Bradley Devin Irwin,all of Clinton, his brother, James (Jim) Irwin, of Madison; hisfather-in-law and mother in-law, Jerry and Janet Lupo, ofBrookhaven; his in-laws, Cathy and Johnnie Wooten, of Bogue Chitto,Misti and Kenny Shank, of Pearl, and Missy Irwin, of Madison; and ahost of nieces and nephews, and many other extended familymembers.

He was a graduate of Calloway High School and attended theUniversity of Southern Mississippi. He was employed with OldCapitol Inn for the past seven years. He was a member of WildwoodBaptist Church and enjoyed attending with his family up until hisillness.

He was a beloved father and husband, and a hard worker who wasloved by many for his caring ways and hard work ethics. He spentmuch time with his children, teaching them useful things as well asdoing fun activities together all of their lives. Hal and Rhondawere looking forward to celebrating their 25th wedding anniversaryin April of next year.

His family wishes to extend thanks to all the Jackson OncologyStaff and other treating physicians at Mississippi Baptist MedicalCenter over the past year. Also thanks to the Sta-Home Hospice careteam members, who were so loving in these last few weeks of hislife. Thank you to so many friends and church families all aroundthe area who have prayed for him diligently over the lastyear.

Visitation will be held at Lakewood Memorial in Clinton on Tuesday,Nov. 16, at 1 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 2 p.m.Burial will follow at Lakewood Cemetery in Jackson.