Obituary of Wendell Isom, Sr.
5/14/1939 – 3/4/2024
Wendell “Paul” Isom, 84, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, March 4, 2024. Paul was born to humble beginnings in Hemphill, Texas. His parents, Francis and Mellie McCauley Isom moved to Orange, Texas when Paul was young. He attended Cove Elementary School and Orange Stark High School, graduating in 1957. After high school, Paul joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served in Germany and Turkey for the Secret Service Division.
As a young man, Paul attended Cove Baptist Church in Orange, Texas where he met the love of his life, Virginia Ann Taylor. The two were married in 1963 and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2023. Theirs is truly a love story for the ages.
After marrying, Paul earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lamar University in 1971, all while working full-time at DuPont in Orange and raising a young family. Paul’s career in the oil and gas industry was filled with adventures, most notably two stints in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia working for Mobil Oil. He retired in 1997 with wonderful work memories and stories.
After retirement, Paul and Virginia had more adventures. From Lake Tahoe to Arizona to Washington State where they owned a vineyard. Paul and his dog SueAnn enjoyed the beautiful scenery as they would work the vines every day. They returned to Texas in 2015 and ultimately settled by family in Illinois in mid 2023.
Paul is survived by his wife Virginia; his two children, Wendell (Donna) of Las Vegas, Nevada and Rhonda (Tony) of Channahon, Illinois; grandsons Taylor Isom and AJ Frescura; brother-in-law WA Taylor; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Woodward and Vivian Taylor, his sister Nan Schahn, her husband Lloyd Schahn and his dear niece Nancy Johnson. Paul cherished all the special friendships in his life.
Paul was a true Texas Gentleman. He believed in manners, respect and hard work. He has left this world a better place.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431. As it was Paul’s wish, cremation rites have been accorded and Memorial Gathering for family and friends will take place at a later date.
