Ira W. Webster

June 8, 1937 - August 14, 2021

Ira Willard Webster of St. James, Missouri passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021 at his home. Ira was born in St. James, Missouri on June 8, 1937 to the late Archie and Loma (Brown) Webster. Ira left high school after the 10th grade to enlist in the United States Navy. He proudly served from 1955-1977. He received many service medals throughout the years, and spent time mostly at sea, and in foreign ports in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and China, just to name a few. He was given exemplary letters for his service file from his Commanding Officers. They wrote " Webster is a definite asset to the ship, his knowledge of Packard's and other gear, he has almost eliminated any major causalities, he gets along exceptionally well with his shipmates." Another one reads, " Webster has supervised several 5000 hour overhauls, and made many improvements to the ship, he has outstanding knowledge of the Packard engine." Ira earned a Letter of Commendation from another Commanding Officer E. I. Rosendale that reads, " For your exemplary performance of duty, your fine attitude, and all you have accomplished, which have been in the finest tradition of the United States Navy, you are commended and given a hearty WELL DONE". He really enjoyed the Navy and was proud to serve his Country. Ira was united in marriage to Miss Donna Mitchum on May 25, 1962. The couple moved to San Diego, California, where he was stationed for the most part. As he was at sea, or different countries, Donna stayed there. She was able to join him for a bit in Taiwan. Sadly Donna passed in 1995. Ira was a 32nd Degree Mason. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, managing his fruit trees, and Cardinal baseball, even in San Diego, Ira could be found at a Padres game while the Cardinals were in town, cheering on his Redbirds. he and Donna never had children of their own, he enjoyed spending time with his many nephews, and nieces. Ira is survived by his sister-in-law, Betty Webster, of St. James, MO; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, special lady friend Tess Barrett. In addition to his parents Archie and Loma Webster, and wife Donna was preceded in death by his brothers, Elbert, George, Thomas, James, and Lloyd Webster, and sisters, Elsie Bratcher, and Louise Pilger. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 1:00PM at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Pastor Steve Bramblett officiating. Visitation will also be at the Chapel on Saturday prior to the service from 11:00 AM until service time. A Masonic service will be on Saturday at 12:00PM. Interment with full military honors will be at the St. James Cemetery.