Funeral Services for Paul Irwin, age 86, of Neligh, formerly of Ainsworth, will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, February 27, 2017, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ainsworth, NE, with visitation one hour before the service at the church.

Burial will be at 2:30 P.M. in the O'Neill Cemetery, with Military Rites conducted by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93 and VFW Post #926.

Paul passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at the Antelope County Hospital in Neligh, NE.

Arrangements are under the direction of Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Paul Leroy Irwin was born on October 27, 1930, in rural Ainsworth, NE, to Mark and Rachel (Wigent) Irwin.  During High School, he worked to help his family by putting up Hay.  Paul graduated in 1948 from Ainsworth High School.  After High School, he started working in his parent's garage.

In 1952, Paul was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  He was honorably discharged in 1953.

On June 22, 1957, Paul married Donna Nekolite in Pierce, NE, and to this union, one daughter, Paula, was born.

Paul and his brother Lyle owned and operated the family business of Irwin Pontiac GMC for many years.  He started racing in Stuart in 1958, and continued to do so over 30 years.  Paul spent a lot of time helping family and friends modify and work on their cars.  He built a lot of the race cars in Stuart.  After many years of racing and working, Paul retired in 2010.  His hobbies included being at the races, watching Nebraska football, as well as watching the Chicago Bears.

Paul is survived by his wife of 59 years, Donna, of Ainsworth, NE, one daughter, Paula Naber and husband Todd, of Sioux Falls, SD, 2 Grandchildren; Trista Kramer and husband Richie of Lincoln, NE, and Taylor Nabor of Sioux Falls, SD, 4 great grandchildren, 3 sisters; Evelyn Allen of Bassett, NE, Bonnie Osborne and husband Ed of Larned, KS, Mary Bidner of Prince George, Canada, one Sister-In-Law, Joan Irwin of Ainsworth, NE, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters; Ethelenruth and Mirnabeth Irwin, one brother, Lyle Irwin, and 3 Brothers-In-Law: Wayne Allen, Medford Osborne, and John Bidner.