Kenneth Eugene Irons

Kenneth E. Irons, 91, passed peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2025, with family at his side in his home in Cow Creek.

Graveside services will be held on December 13, at Grandview Cemetery at 11:30 am followed by Memorial services at 1:00 pm held at Bonners Ferry First Baptist Church, 6711 El Paso St.

Ken was born March 2, 1934, in Glenns Ferry, Idaho to Ernest and Mary Irons. He moved to Boundary County at age three. He attended Cow Creek School and Bonners Ferry High School, graduating in 1953. He enlisted in the Army as a mechanic, serving from 1953-1956, which included time stationed in Korea during the war. After his honorable discharge, Ken used his GI Bill to attend Oregon Technical Institute from 1957-1959 where he became certified in Automotive Fuel & Electrical Mechanics.

While in college, Ken met Donna Kessi and they were married June 29, 1963, in Corvallis, Oregon. They moved to Boundary County in 1965, settling in the old Ellis place and they were able to purchase his childhood farm in Drainage District 15. He spent his life lovingly caring for the land by farming, raising cattle, and tending his trees. Ken lived in Boundary County for 80 of his 91 years. He and Donna have been married for 62 years.

During that time, Ken was active in the community. He served on the Republican Central Committee for 20 years, Paradise Valley Fire Department as a Commissioner for ten years, and as a member of the local fair board for 12 years. He served on the local soil Conservation District as a Board Member, and was a member of the Farm Bureau. He was also a founding member of the local Antique Tractor Club. Ken was a proud lifetime member of the American Legion and the VFW. He enjoyed his time in the Idaho Cattleman’s Association and the local Grazing Association. He served as the Chartered Representative for the local Boy Scouts of America troop and was a member of the Lion’s Club. Ken spent many years as a league bowler in singles and doubles.

His spiritual life included mission trips to Mexico, Hawaii, and Kentucky. Ken spent many years as a Trustee at the United Methodist Church and really enjoyed the camaraderie of the Methodist Men’s Club.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Darrus, Ernest Jr., and Delbert. He is survived by his wife Donna of Bonners Ferry, daughter Cyndi (Charlie) Clark of Naples, son Donald (Tif Stewart) of Corvallis, Oregon, grandson Steven (Macy) Quirk of Columbus, Ohio, brother Edgar of Elko, Nevada, sister Sandra Johnson of Troy, Montana, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews scattered across the nation and stationed abroad.

In honor of Ken’s decades of dedicated service to the Boundary Soil Conservation District and his lifelong passion for land stewardship, we introduce-Branches of Hope: The Ken Irons Memorial Tree Fund. Established to support an Arbor Day project in his memory. This living tribute will carry forward his legacy of growth, conservation, and care for future generations. In lieu of flowers, please contact Cassie Olson at the Boundary Soil Conservation District to contribute- (208)946-8890 or cassie.olson@usda.gov.

To leave a message or memory for the family go to www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family.