Former mayor Ivan Irvin dies

Former Cape Girardeau mayor Ivan Irvin, 73, died Tuesday.

Mayor Jay Knudtson, extending condolences on behalf of the city, also said Irvin was "a real friend to me since I arrived in Cape."

"Ivan possessed tremendous people skills and had a great ability to assess a situation and make a good, solid and informed decision."

Knudtson said it was clear that, of all Irvin's accomplishments, "his most revered role was that of grandfather."

He served as Cape Girardeau's mayor from Jan. 8, 1969, to April 15, 1970, and was a city councilman from April 2, 1965, to April 6, 1971.

As mayor, Irvin oversaw the opening of the Procter & Gamble plant; and the start of the Interstate 55 overpass at U.S. 61, an ordinance approving bowling on Sundays and another banning stock car racing at Arena Park.

His administration authorized a low-income rent program, the first 911 system and a private trash-hauling contract.

He served on the city's Board of Adjustment from 1990 to 2007.

The Joplin, Mo., native moved to Cape Girardeau in 1960 and owned a shop in Town Plaza.

He is survived by his wife, two sons and a grandchild.