Charles William Isbell

Charles William Isbell, 87, of Marshall passed away peacefully in his home Friday, May 17, 2013. He was born May 20, 1925 in Sullivan, IN, the youngest son of Lucy Burke and Wesley Isbell.Charles joined the U.S. Marine Corps on December 27, 1943 and served with the first amphibian unit driven into battle in WWII. He saw action in Saipan, the Marianas Islands, Tinian and Iwo Jima, where he was witness to the first flag-raising on Mount Suribachi. He was discharged as a corporal in November 1945 and returned to farming and construction work around West Union. Charles was pleased and proud to participate in the WW II veterans Flight of Honor to Washington, DC with his oldest son, Ron in May 2011.Charles married Virginia Fern Heleine on January 10, 1948 in Marshall and went on to raise four children. They enjoyed camping with family and friends, playing cards and dominoes, and putting out his summer fruit stand. He retired from Farm Service Co in 1985. He was a member of the West Union Christian Church, the West Union American Legion, and the Marshall V.F.W.Charles is survived by his wife of 65 years, Fern; two sons, John & Debbie Isbell of Woodstock, IL and Chris & Teresa Isbell of Lena, IL; his daughter, Kim & Jim Bass of Henderson, NV; his daughter-in-law, Wendy Isbell of Kings Mountain, NC; seven grandchildren: Angela Isbell, Trevor Isbell, Amy & James Lombardo, Jason Isbell, Amanda & Heath Gerkin, Melissa Isbell, and Bryan Isbell; three step-grandchildren, Erin Cummins, Tracie Moore, and Wayne Conner; great-grandchildren: Elijah, Emmit, and Easton Gerkin; step-great-grandchildren, Brette and Eli Cummins, Bryton Moore, and Jordyn Scott; two sisters, Hazel Downey and Beulah Harper; as well as several nieces, nephews, and church family.He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Dave, Ralph, and Don Isbell; his sister Ruth Hayek; and his son Ron Isbell.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22nd at the West Union Christian Church, with Pastor Ken Gillaspy officiating. Burial will be in the Harrison Cemetery, rural West Union, with military rites being conducted by the Marshall V.F.W. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21st at the church. Memorials may be made to the West Union Christian Church or to the donor€™s choice, with envelopes available to the church.