John Woods Irvin
John Woods Irvin
John Woods Irvin, 78, of Howard, Pa., passed away peacefully at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pa., on Jan. 24, 2026.
Born on Sept. 6, 1947, in Lock Haven, Pa., John grew up in Mill Hall, Pa., as the son of Marvin L. Irvin and Nellie M. (Peddigree) Irvin and was lovingly raised by Marvin and Sara (Rhoades) Irvin.
A 1965 graduate of Bald Eagle Nittany High School, John went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Carpentry Sciences from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster, Pa., in 1968.
He was a longtime resident of Howard and attended Howard United Methodist Church.
John dedicated his career to his craft as a proud lifelong member of the Keystone Mountain Lakes (KLM) Carpenters’ Union. He enjoyed using his skills to complete home improvement projects for neighbors, friends and family in his local community.
An avid outdoorsman, John found great joy in hunting and fishing, including both ice and freshwater, as well as canoeing.
He also had a deep passion for trains. A dedicated member of the Big Train Operators (BTO) Club, he traveled to many states to view G-Scale train layouts and model train displays. John’s own garden train layout at the family mountain cabin was a source of pride and delight. Blending his love of trains with his carpentry expertise, John even remodeled a train caboose into a welcoming guest suite. Over the years, he and friends regularly gathered to collaborate, combining their skills and creativity to build detailed and imaginative indoor train villages.
Those who knew John will remember his quiet, mischievous sense of humor, often shared through a subtle smile or well-timed comment, and his undeniable love of desserts, which he enjoyed whenever the opportunity arose.
On Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1993, John married his beloved wife, Joyce Stevens Irvin, sharing more than three decades of partnership and love.
John is survived by his children, Jesse W. Irvin (Margaret Howell), and Stephanie K. Dawson (Chad); grandchildren Gretchen Nichols and Katie Dawson; and numerous nieces and nephews who fondly remember their “Uncle Johnny.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Irvin, Nellie Irvin and Sara Irvin; as well as his daughter, Rebecca “Becky” F. Irvin.
A private family memorial will be held in celebration of John’s life.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Howard.
Condolences may be sent in care of Joyce Irvin at PO Box 122, Howard, PA 16841.
John will be remembered for his craftsmanship, generosity, gentle humor and the quiet joy he found in life’s simple pleasures.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com