Jerry Don Isbell

 

“Such is the life and death of a good cowboy." - Larry McMurtry

Jerry Don Isbell, 75, of Lubbock, Texas passed away peacefully at home on July 31, 2023.

Jerry was born to Paul D. Isbell and Evelyn Powell on November 13th, 1947 in Hugo, Oklahoma. Jerry along with his five siblings grew up and attended school in Hobbs, New Mexico and later went to high school in San Angelo, Texas.

After high school, Jerry was drafted into the US Army and trained at Fort Polk in Louisiana. Jerry served two years in Vietnam (1967 and 1968) where he was spearhead in logistics and the distribution of explosive ordinance. Jerry and five of his Vietnam brothers stayed in touch and had regular get-togethers for over 50 years. "The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men.” - Minot J. Savage

After his service in the Army, Jerry married Janie Barnes and made their home in Tahoka, TX.

They raised three wonderful children together, Jerry Scott Isbell, Michael Don Isbell, and Chery Marie Williams. Jerry worked as a lineman and then construction superintendent for Lyntegar Electric Cooperative for 37.5 years and retired in 2008.

In 2002, Jerry met Donna Gayle, the love of his life, and became a loving father figure to two adoring daughters, Aaron and Allison. Jerry and Donna resided in Tahoka, TX until Jerry retired in 2008 and then moved to Mineola, TX where they married at their home on Dec. 24th, 2012.

Jerry and Donna returned to Lubbock, TX in 2018 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Jerry enjoyed riding horseback, working cattle and tending to his horses in his spare time and retired life. Horsemanship was his passion and his quarter horse, Habanero, was his pride and joy. Jerry and Donna also enjoyed cruising in their 1938 Pontiac.

Jerry was a Mason for over 50 years and a Lifetime member. This was an honor he took great pride in.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Donna Gayle Isbell, of Lubbock, TX, his two sons, Jerry Scott Isbell of Tahoka, TX; Michael Don Isbell and wife Regina of Post, TX. daughter, Cheryl Marie Williams of Seagraves, TX, two step-daughters, Aaron Klingensmith and husband Casey of Ransom Canyon, TX; Allison Fullingim of Lubbock, TX.

Nine grandchildren who all called him, GG. Micha Shields, Chyann Isbell, Jaycob Isbell, Kaytlin Isbell, Kelsey Isbell, Madyson Isbell, Dakota Isbell, Mackenzi Thorm and Cameron Klingensmith, ten great-grandchildren, siblings Jo Ellen Jones of Durant, OK; Paulette Fulgham and husband Roe of Big Spring. T. Eddie Isbell and wife Cathy of Ponder, TX, and many nieces and nephews whom Jerry adored.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Paul D. Isbell, mother. Evelyn Powell, grandson, Michael Brandon Isbell, sister Charlene Hayes and brother Newman Isbell.

Visitation will take place from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 at Combest Family Funeral Homes in Tahoka, TX. Jerry will be laid to rest at 10:00 AM, Friday, August 4th, 2023 at Draw Cemetery in Tahoka, TX. Followed by a funeral service at the First United Methodist Church in O'Donnell, TX. at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

support.woundedwarriorproject.org