Vernon Isaacs

Vernon Norman Isaacs, the son of William Henry and Bertha Florence (Jernigan) Isaacs, was born April 14, 1935 in Stilwell, Oklahoma. He passed from this life to be with his Lord on January 18, 2021 at his home in Stilwell surrounded by loved ones at the age of 85 years.

Norman grew up in the Peavine Community and attended Westville Schools. At the age of 18, Norman moved to Kansas City, KS and began working for Swift & Company. Later, he took a job working at a service station and became manager. Ten years later, he returned to Stilwell and opened Isaacs Service Station which he owned and operated for over 40 years until his retirement.

On September 10, 1966 he married Patricia Mays and together they raised their six children. Norman accepted the Lord as his savior and raised his family to serve God.

He was a charter member of Liberty Baptist Church and was a faithful member until his passing. He was known by many as the official door greeter, always making everyone welcome. His goal was to put a smile on everyone’s face. He was a people person who always had a joke or humorous story to tell. Norman always carried suckers to give to the children at church and his great grandchildren who affectionately called him “Papa Suckers”. He will also be remembered for his 1929 Model A Ford Roadster that he drove in many parades.

Norman served his community as a city council member for 28 years, serving 8 terms; the longest time held by any council member in the city’s history. He stood diligently for what he believed was right and was always willing to be of help to better his city.

He was a loving husband, dad and grandpa and taught his family many valuable lessons about honesty and honoring God. Norman loved being with his family; especially his grand and great grandchildren. He was hardworking and a good provider and he had a huge heart for those in need. He enjoyed trading, guns, antique cars, woodworking and sharing the bounty from his garden with everyone. He made a difference in the lives he touched.

Norman was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Pat Isaacs, his parents, four brothers, Roland, Dewey, Major Lee and Garland Isaacs, four sisters, Lillie Calhoun, Belle Downing, Myrtle Coombes and Josie Black.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory a loving family which includes his children, David and Debbie Isaacs of Lincoln, AR, Kathy DeSpain of Stilwell, Mark Isaacs of Vian, Paula and Marion Cornett of Stilwell, Susan and Don Waldrop of Stilwell, Daniel and Devon Isaacs of Logan, UT; one sister Betty Doyle of Stilwell; grandchildren, Jeremy and Brenda Isaacs, Jennifer and Joel Smith, Steven and Erin DeSpain, Robert and Christine DeSpain, Rebekah and Kyle Rhea; Dustyn and Courtney DeSpain, Michael and Bridget Cornett, Nicholas Isaacs, Matthew and Bailey Waldrop, Jonathan Cornett, Nathan and Nova Waldrop, Jacob and Bethany Isaacs and Crystal Isaacs; great grandchildren, Josiah, Karissa, Joshua, Cherrish, Elaina, Ruthanna, Makayla, David, Hannah, Drew, Noah, Timley, Jackson, Aidan, Sophie, Samuel, Charlie Jo, Asher and Joanna. He also leaves behind a special friend, Bill Cragg, his dog and best friend, Sam and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.