Wilbur Ison

🕊️ In Loving Memory of Wilbur Ison With heartfelt sorrow and enduring gratitude for a life fully lived, we share the passing of Wilbur Ison of Isonville, Kentucky—beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, teacher, veteran, and devout follower of Christ—who was called home on July 15, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by his family at his residence in Isonville Ky. Born January 16, 1935, to Dock N. Ison and Stella Elizabeth Wooldridge Ison, Wilbur grew up in Isonville, where he would go on to build a legacy grounded in faith, service, and family. He was a devoted Christian, walking humbly with Jesus Christ every day of his life. His witness, both gentle and strong, left an indelible impression on everyone blessed to know him. Wilbur proudly served his country in the United States Navy, aboard the USS Intrepid, navigating the Mediterranean waters with courage and duty. Following his Navy service, he worked on riverboats from Kenova, WV to Baytown, TX, a testament to his hard work and adventurous spirit. In addition, he served the Elliott County VFW as a trustee and Quartermaster for 17 years and was a lifetime member. His mastery of the carpentry trade was unmatched. As a lifelong member of Local Union 472, he worked on countless projects before transitioning to teach the craft to students in Greenup and Boyd counties. His years as a carpentry instructor at Ashland Community and Technical College, where he retired in 1997, touched generations of aspiring builders. Wilbur wasn’t just teaching woodworking—he was shaping lives. Beyond work and service, Wilbur was a man of abundant joy. He sang and played guitar and harmonica to worship his Savior, often sharing music with his family, reminding everyone of the beauty of a grateful heart. He loved beekeeping, golfing, and most of all, fishing in the creek with his grandchildren. Each moment was sacred to him, especially when surrounded by those he loved. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 67 years, Alice Marie Skaggs Ison, with whom he built a beautiful life full of laughter, prayer, and enduring love. He is survived by his children: • Keith Leo Ison and Debra Ison of Argillite, KY • Barbara Hale of Isonville, KY Five grandchildren: • Jason Hale and Leigha Hale of Salt Lick, KY • Josh Hale and Jenni Hale of Isonville, KY • Daniel Hale of Isonville, KY • Keith Ison and fiancée Valerie Stanley of Culp Creek, KY • The late Tina Michelle Ison (infant) Eight great-grandchildren: • Hannah (Hale) Hall and Jameson Hall of Paintsville, KY • Abbi Jo (Hale) Hager and Dylan Hager of Ezel, KY • Crayston Hale and fiancée Abigail Roseberry of Sandy Hook, KY • Brice Hale and Alissandra Hale of Salt Lick, KY • Carly Ison, Adam Ison, and the late Hunter Grant Ison (infant) of Argillite, KY Four great-great-grandchildren: • Paxton Wells, Lukas Hall, and Scarlett Hall of Paintsville, KY • Beau Doc Whitley Hager of Ezel, KY He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Alva Jack Ison and one sister Florina Harper, his infant grandchild Tina Michelle Ison and great grandchild Hunter Grant Ison. He is mourned by his brothers Sam Ison, Noel Ison, Mack Ison and Allan Ison, whom he loved dearly. Pallbearers include: Jason Hale, Josh Hale, Daniel Hale, Crayston Hale, Brice Hale, Paxton Wells, Keith Ison, and Adam Ison. Honorary Pallbearers: Sam Ison, Noel Ison, Mack Ison and Allan Ison and the countless friends and family Wilbur cherished deeply. Wilbur’s greatest achievement wasn’t found in awards —it was seen in the faces of his family, the students he mentored, and the lives he helped to shape. As the patriarch of the Ison family, he taught lessons that extended far beyond carpentry: faith, integrity, resilience, kindness and love. Now, his heavenly home welcomes him, reunited with those who went before, and welcomed by the Savior he served so faithfully. He leaves a legacy not just etched in wood—but etched in hearts forever. “Well done, good and faithful servant” Graveside military funeral rites and brief service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 21, 2025 at Veterans Cemetery Northeast, Grayson, Kentucky with Grandson Josh Hale, Bro. Crayston Hale, and son Bro. Leo Ison officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request to please send donations to the Elliott County VFW, Post 11428, Sandy Hook, Ky.

Wilbur Ison

January 16, 1935 - July 15, 2025