Thom Isbell Obituary

Thom Isbell, 55, died March 10, 2009, of leukemia at his home in Las Vegas.
A sunset memorial gathering of family and friends will be May 9 at Red Rocks Park, Las Vegas.
Thom was born May 11, 1953, in Montgomery, Ala., to Virginia "Ginny" and Brig. Gen (USAF, Ret.) James Isbell. He graduated from West High School in 1971 and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Oregon in 1975. He married the love of his life, Wendy Mixon, in December 2008.
Thom arrived at Elmendorf with his family in June 1958. He worked for Jack White Realty from 1985 until his departure from Alaska in 1990. He most recently was the vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar Homes in Las Vegas, where he worked since 2003.
Thom's interests included his passion for guitar, frustration with golf and, most importantly, his love of life and his wonderful wife, Wendy.
Thom fought a long and courageous battle against cancer with the support of his loving wife Wendy and the Nevada Cancer Institute. He was always known for his wry sense of humor, enduring friendships and zest for life. He had a deep effect on everyone he knew.
He is survived by his loving wife, Wendy Mixon-Isbell of Las Vegas; son, Reid Isbell of Talent, Ore.; sister, Reed Isbell of Virginia; brother Jim Isbell of Austin, Texas; uncle, James Gordon Meek and nieces in Virginia.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made in Thom's name to the Nevada Cancer Institute, One Breakthrough Way, Las Vegas, NV 89135, or online at nevadacancerinstitute.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Mar. 25 to Mar. 26, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Thom Isbell

13 Entries

October 17, 2009

As you walk in Fields of Gold, I will remember and cherish all the memories of you.

Anonymous

Chipper Chase

April 12, 2009

Thom was one of my first best friends wandering together the edges of Elmendorf and Bolling AFB as kids. I stayed east yet through many years he would host me in Vegas for the annual ski show. We were as he would say..."bullet proof" and he always treated me with the deepest respect and honored our life long friendship.
I was on my way to Alaska and found my contacts were outdated (my fault) for my pal and was so shocked to find this news and my lack of contact lately became blatent. I will contact Wendy, Jim, and Reed to share in my long lived love for this rascal. His generosity toward me was an endless well as it was for so many that knew him. Peace!

Dave Thomson

April 3, 2009

Thom was a brother from a different mother. We came of age together in Anchortown. Although we hadn't seen each other for several years, I will always remember him for his sardonic humor (it was so close to mine). Somewhere I have a strange card he wrote to me thirty years ago or so. I kept it to share it with him when we were in our eighties. Now I have to figure out a way to take it with me to that next stage. Hey Thom, save a stool for me at the bar!

What you see is what you get...

Murray McCallum

April 2, 2009

Murray McCallum

April 1, 2009

Thom was the first person I met in Anchorage when I was lucky enough to move next door to him in 1969. He helped me get through a major change in my life with his wacky humor and positive (but warped) view on life. He shared his fine musical taste and independent mind with me and made the world a better and brighter place for all those fortunate enough to have known him. My condolences to Thom's family and friends.

April Yoo

March 28, 2009

I was a great honor and privilage to have work for a man like Thom at US Home/Lennar. I will never forget his unique sense of humor and how caring he was. My deepest condolences to the entire Isbell family. Thom will be deeply missed.

Terry Needham

March 28, 2009

My deepest sympathy to Wendy and the entire Isbell family. Loved his very dry sense of humor at US Home/Lennar. the Man in Black will be missed by all of us.

Jim Isbell

March 27, 2009

First of all, thank you all for your very kind and sensitive words. Thom is my Brother. He is and will always remain so unique in so many ways. A true friend and defender. Generous and considerate. And always a wonderful and slightly tilted perspective on life and the world in general. Peace.

Anonymous Friend

March 26, 2009

I was fortunate to know Thom back in the day when real estate was booming and so was he. He was the kind soul who rescued the injured, who "passed it forward" and lamented long before he knew "only the good die young." He could play the guitar like a rock star and wrote the music that made the notes sing. Fly with the eagles my friend.

Steve McKeever

March 26, 2009

I will always remember Thom as the one at high school graduation who shook hands with the superintendent with a joke buzzer in his hand. He was good fun. My condolences to his family and friends.

Corliss Kimmel

March 25, 2009

I went to Romig and West High with Thom and was also in the class of 1971. So sorry to hear of his loss. My condolences to his family and friends.

Linda Harrison

March 24, 2009

I was fortunate to have worked with Thom at US Home/Lennar. He was a wonderful and considerate person who thought of everyones needs before his own. My deepest sympathies to the entire Isbell family. Thom will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know this very special man.
Linda Harrison

Michele Loker

March 23, 2009

My deepest sympathies to you Wendy and the entire Isbell family. Thom was always our "Man in Black" and I was lucky enough to have worked with him (and Wendy) at US Home/Lennar. He had a great smile and warped sense of humor. Thom will be deeply missed but the great memories will last forever! Thanks Thom!
Love, Michele

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