Patrick J. Kirwan's Obituary
Patrick J. Kirwan, age 84, of Cordova, Tennessee passed away on September 26, 2019 from a battle with cancer. He leaves behind his wife, Carol Kirwan, his daughter, Leigh Ann Kirwan Gay, other children, Kelli Court and Kevin Sutherland. He also leaves 4 grandchildren, Matthew Gay, Caroline, Olivia, and Sadie Court. And brother, Ronald Kirwan of Lima, Ohio. Pat served with the Shelby County Sheriffs Department as a deputy for 46 years. He valued and cherished his position as a sergeant serving the people of Shelby County and working in the court system. Enjoying his many years of service in Shelby County Government, he reluctantly retired in 2011. During his career with the Sheriffs Dept., Pat was a known and active advocate for child car safety. He devised a campaign with the use of a large stuffed teddy bear he called “BUDDY the Bear” that rode in a child car safety seat in the backseat of his squad car. He wanted to educate others, both parents and children that all kids up to a certain age should be riding in car seats. Pat displayed Buddy and educated Memphians through local festivals and television having been on the news and a popular children’s show. Pat also served in the US Air-force in the 1950s. He was stationed overseas in Iceland. A hobbiest at heart, Pat built model planes and collected scale model cars, an extensive collection that took over his home office. Mr. Kirwan was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, and had been since the 1990s. Very strong in his catholic faith he raised his daughter, Leigh Ann to follow his beliefs and roots. Patrick raised his daughter as a single parent providing her an upper education and all the advantages in life. Pat will be missed and forever loved by both friends and family. Please send any memorials to his parish at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Cordova, Tennessee.The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 1 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The memorial service will follow immediately at 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “A Fitting Farewell for Everyone”.Burial will be held at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery at a later date. To view the memorial tribute video, please click the link below:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/C7R5NG7QB9W89B2S
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