David A Isbell

SHREVEPORT, LA- David Arnold Isbell, age 84, passed away on January 13, 2017 after a long illness battling COPD and recent onset pneumonia. The family will hold visitation at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel from 5-7 pm on Monday, January 16. A memorial service will be held at the chapel Tuesday, January 17 at 11 am followed by burial at Forest Park West Cemetery. Mr. Isbell was born to James Britton and Hattie Roberta Isbell in New Market, Alabama on April 17, 1932, growing up in the hills and hollers of Tennessee for most of his youth. He enlisted in the Air Force in the late 1940's, serving overseas during the Korean War setting up telephone and radio communications. In 1956 he married Rachel Wyatt and together they raised five little girls. He operated his own construction business with his wife, while over time their family grew to include 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. The last few years of his life Mr. Isbell resided at The Bradford Nursing Home in Shreveport, LA as his illness progressed. The family expresses their thankfulness for the wonderful nursing staff and techs who cared for their father during his lengthy stay. Along with Amie Hospice they worked together to ease his pain and provide comfort care these last few weeks. Many thanks are also extended to Gloria Wood for her loving support and care over the years. Mr. Isbell is preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Rachel Isbell and son, Tony Dewayne Isbell in 2004. He is survived by his five daughters and sons-in-laws: Tina and Tim Cooper, Sandy and Roger Day, Susie and Randy Wood, Patty and Sam Santone, and Charlotte and Paul Owen; his great niece, Tessa Bessing Hall whom he loved liked a daughter; and his special Guatemalan exchange daughter Euda Morales. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers to lay their PapPaw to rest beside his wife, with an Air Force Color Guard present to honor Dave for his years of military service. Memorials may be made to the KoreanWarVeteransAssociation.org or FoundationFightingBlindness.org in lieu of floral arrangements.