Ronald L. Irvin, 80, of Derby, Kansas, passed away Wednesday morning, August 12, 2026, at Westview of Derby Rehab and Healthcare Center.

Born February 22, 1946, in Arkansas City, Kansas, he was the son of Roy P. and Shirley Ann (Mace) Irvin. He was raised in the Winfield area and received his early education at Liberty Country School. About the time Ron started high school, the family moved to town where he graduated Winfield High School in 1964. During high school, he began working towards his Pilot’s license, taking his first solo flight in 1962 at the age of 16.

After high school, he joined the Kansas National Guard and was called into Active Duty with the United States Army in 1968. Ron proudly served his country in the United States Army and upon receiving his honorable discharge, returned to Winfield. He then attended Cowley County Community College, graduating with an Associate degree in Business and Vocation in Data Processing in 1973. He then attended Southwestern College, and later, Wichita State University.

He was united in marriage to Judy Logsdon on July 25, 1965, at the First Christian Church in Winfield. The couple made their home in Winfield until moving their family to Derby in 1974. Ron spent most of his career in the aircraft industry working as a Computer Analyst and Programmer for over 32 years with Boeing and Spirit. He retired in 2008.

In the early 1990s, Ron added another accomplishment of becoming a hot air balloon pilot. He and his wife, Judy, traveled to balloon meets around the country, participating in balloon races and competition flying. The name of his balloon was The Yellow Brick Road. He was a member of the South Rock Christian Church in Derby.

He is survived by his wife Judy of the home; a son Steven Irvin and wife, Melinda of Winfield; a sister Royann Little and husband, Brian of Douglass; a brother Michael Irvin and wife Kathy of Rose Hill; his grandchildren, Jonathan Irvin of Winfield; Katie Irvin and wife Brianna of Tonganoxie; his great grandchildren, Egan Irvin and Farran Irvin; many nieces and nephews; and longtime friends.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by a brother Donald “Donnie” Irvin.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. A visitation is scheduled at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4 to 8 PM. The family will greet visitors from 4 to 6 that evening.

A memorial has been established in Ron’s name for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.