Wesley M. Isbell, 88

Wesley Munroe Isbell, age 88, passed away peacefully July 10, 2021 after fighting prostate cancer for a number of years. He was born February 8, 1933 in Eaton, N.Y., to Edmond and Ida Isbell.

After graduating from high school in 1952, Wes began a journey with the United States Air Force that led to many significant life events. While serving in Japan he attended a crusade where he invited Christ into his heart and life, serving the Lord. Sharing His love would be the guiding force for the remainder of his life. His last station was at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Mont. This is where he developed his love for the Pacific Northwest and met a special woman by the name of Marilyn Peterson. She followed him to Cascade College in Portland, Ore., where their relationship grew and they made many lifelong friends. They got married June 6, 1958. Wes graduated in 1959. They spent 42 years together before Marilyn passed from cancer.

He was a living example of one of his favorite verses, Eph. 4:32 "and be kind and compassionate to one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ."

Wes loved passionately and unconditionally. He was a cheerleader and encourager. His children and grandchildren knew that he believed in them and their ability to accomplish whatever they chose to do. Whenever anyone had the opportunity to meet Wes, they knew without a doubt that he loved the Lord. The favorite words to describe Wes by everyone was, "He's just so kind!"

Wes began his career touching young lives in education. He then spent 33 years making a difference in others' lives as social worker for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. He truly had a servant's heart from being an elder and Sunday school teacher to being the soccer transport for his granddaughter’s soccer team. He loved reading, crossword puzzles, watching the Seahawks and the Gonzaga men’s basketball. His favorite pastime though was watching any activity that involved his grandchildren.

Wes made many more special and lifelong friends through church. They had many hours of love and laughter together. His last years were spent having weekly lunches with a group of these valued men. A number of them will be continuing these weekly lunches in heaven.

Wes was preceded in his death by his adored wife, Marilyn; his parents; brothers: Theodore Isbell and Daniel Isbell; sister, Jeanne Pelkey, and brother-in-law, Merton Peterson. Left to mourn his passing are his son, Brian Isbell and daughter, Tami (Ron) Frantzich; grandchildren: Jesse (Beth), Sadie, and Kenna Frantzich; sister, Carole (Richard) LeClaire; sisters-in-law, Joanie Peterson and Betty Leider; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Please join us in celebrating his life 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 20, at Hayden Bible Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of North Idaho (www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org) or the Union Gospel Mission (uniongospelmission.org).

Please visit the online memorial for Wes and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com