Leonard Wesley Isabelle Sr.

Leonard Wesley Isabelle, Sr. was born in Oakland, CA, the fourth son of William Isabelle, Sr. and Lavinia Parish Isabelle. He attended Castlemont High School and was an ambitious student, a dedicated athlete, and a natural leader. Len belonged to the Glee Club, participated in five sports and was elected Student Body President in his senior year. After graduation, Len attended the University of California, Berkeley where he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Business Administration.
While attending Berkeley, Leonard met Bettye Ruth Sypert. They began their 55 year union in 1956 and their family grew to include two sons and a daughter. Together, they assumed leadership roles in the community as active members of such organizations as The Tuskegee Airman's Association, Junior Achievement, and Hospice. Church was an important part of their lives and they were active members of McGee Avenue Baptist Church in Berkeley, CA; Peoples Community Church in Detroit, MI; and, Kelseyville Presbyterian in Kelseyville, CA.
Len began his professional career as a buyer for the Emporium department store in San Francisco. After completing his graduate studies, he accepted a position in the Marketing Department of the Ford Motor Company in Detroit and he remained with Ford until his retirement in 1988. Len began his military career as an undergraduate in the ROTC program. He served on active duty with the Strategic Air Command in Texas and continued to serve as a Reserve Officer for an additional 28 years, retiring with the rank of Colonel. During his many years as a Liaison Officer for the U.S. Air Force Academy, he was valued as a counselor for many young men and women interested in applying for an Academy nomination.
Following his retirement from Ford, Len continued to be active in the Lake County community. He provided support for the County's annual Black History Month celebration, worked on the committee to make the Pearl Harbor Survivor's Memorial Mast in Lakeport a reality, and was an active member of Rotary International.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Spencer and Adrian. He is survived by his devoted wife Bettye; sons Leonard, Jr. (wife Angela) and Steven (wife Gillian); daughter Elizabeth (husband Kevin); grandchildren Kyra, Krysta, Tyler, Cameron, Simone, and Zoe. He is also survived by his brother William Jr.; his sister Lavinia Oliver (Fifi); and, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Len's memory may be made to the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, Hospice Services of Lake County, California or the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
Leonard will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
A Memorial service will be held at Noon, Tuesday, April 3 at the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church.
Cremation arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.
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