Irvin "Red" T. Esry, 85, Hamilton, Mo., passed away on April 3, 2017, at the Cameron Regional Medical Center, Cameron, Mo. He had lived in Cairo, Mo., and Brookfield, Mo., before moving to Hamilton in 1959.

Irvin was born on September 17, 1931, in Cairo, Mo., to Leslie T. and Genevieve "Jane" (Brantagen) Esry. He graduated from the Cairo High School in 1949. He served his country honorably during the Korean Conflict in the Army. After the War, Irvin worked for Temple Stephens in Moberly, Fulton, and Brookfield. In March of 1959, he opened "Esry's IGA" in Hamilton, and then opened 3 other grocery stores as well. He received numerous awards as a grocery merchant.

"Red" was a member of the Hamilton Baptist Church, the Hamilton American Legion Post #285 where he served as past commander and had a lifetime membership, and he belonged to the VFW post in Polo, Mo. "Red" was also a charter member of the Hamilton Lion's Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and 4 brothers-Marcel, Mincel, Herman, and Thurman.

On June 1, 1958, he married Cordelia "Deedie" Cochran in Cairo, Mo.
She survives of the home.

Additional survivors: Sons-Craig (Diana) Esry, Remington, VA.; and Scott (Fran) Esry, Hamilton; 7 grandchildren-Caitlin Esry, Michael Esry, Bethany (Ryan) Esry Parsons-Cohrs, Carter Esry, Jeremy Esry, Jordan (Zane) Jones, and Erin Esry; 1 great-grandchild-Theodore Parsons-Cohrs; Brother-Ernest (Norma) Esry, Macon, Mo.; and Sister-in-law-Maxine Cochran-Cairo, Mo.

Funeral: 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 7, 2017, at the Hamilton Baptist Church.

Visitation: 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 6 at Bram Funeral Home, Hamilton.

Interment: 2 p.m., Friday, at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery at Jacksonville, Mo.

Memorials: The Hamilton Baptist Church or the Hamilton American Legion Post #285.

www.bramfuneralservices.com