George Vernon Isbell

March 31, 1927 - February 25, 2018

Rev. George Vernon Isbell, 90, Cordell, Oklahoma, passed away with family by his side on February 25, 2018. He was born on March 31, 1927, at Cloud Chief, Oklahoma, to Osborne Kieffer "O.K." and Maudie (Matlage) Isbell. George attended school at Cloud Chief, graduating in 1945. He married Barbara Lou Simpson on April 18, 1945, at the United Methodist Church in Sayre, Oklahoma. To this union, 5 children were born. George served in the Navy with the Seabees in World War II. He was a man of many talents, including farming, carpentry, singing, and teaching. He had the ability to take an idea from concept to completion, inspiring others to contribute their talents. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. While attending Oklahoma A&M, he heard the call from God. He answered that call by serving a church, while finishing his Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture. Upon graduation in 1952, he continued his education at the Perkins School of Theology at SMU, where he earned a Masters of Divinity in 1957. "Brother George" was ordained an elder of the Methodist Church in 1957, and continued a lifetime of service in ministry, with Barbara by his side. He was especially good at sharing God's love with children and youth, and was the Dean of many church camps. He served congregations in the following churches: Grainola-Webb City 1950-1953, Alvord-Sunset, TX 1954-1956, Pickton-Pine Forest, TX 1956-1957, Atoka 1957-1960, Beaver 1960-1963, Stilwell 1963-1965, Enid Christ UMC 1965-1969, Holdenville 1969-1971, Cordell-Dill City 1971-1976, Oklahoma City Asbury 1976-1978, Tulsa Sheridan Ave 1978-1979, Ponca City Albright 1979-1987, Harrah 1987-1990, Hollis-Gould 1990-1992, and filled ministry roles as needed after retirement. Following retirement in 1992, George & Barbara moved to Dill City, Oklahoma, where they enjoyed traveling, camping, gardening and visits with family. George was preceded in death by his Parents; Brothers: Edgar Louis Isbell, and an infant brother; Sisters: Laretha Vick, Fern Vermillion, Juhree Calvert, Adalou Penner; Brothers-in-law: Leroy Vick, Clyde Vermillion, Wayman Penner, Gene Simpson, Doyle Fenn; Sisters-in-law: Marthalu Isbell, Maxine Isbell, Betty Vermillion, Oleta Isbell, Frances Simpson, Faye Simpson, Joan Simpson. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Isbell of the home; 5 Children: Patricia Isbell Blackard & James of Bonham, TX; Eddie Isbell & Peggy (Leggett) of Cordell, OK; Helen Isbell Henderson & Larry of Branson, MO; Annette Isbell Bell & Terrel of Follett, TX; Paula Isbell Mann & Todd of Palmer, AK Grandchildren: Lisa Blackard Ortiz & Ben, Kenneth Blackard & Ruth, Becky Isbell Phillips & Jon, Kyle Isbell & Rhiannon, Anna Isbell Feltman & Levi, Samantha Henderson & Brad Gore, Joe Henderson & Adrianna, Sarah Henderson Wunderlich & Josh, Patrick Bell, Bryan Bell & Jessica, Amber Bell Kennedy & Neal, Audra Mann, and Levi Mann Great-Grandchildren: Justin Blackard-Ortiz, Brittany Ortiz, Trevor Franklin, Jacob Phillips, Payton Phillips, Kylee Isbell, Jayce Isbell, McKenzy Isbell, Billie Wilson, Kendra Wilson, Hannah Smith, Eli Smith, Kimber Feltman, Milli Feltman, Soren Henderson, Beatrice Wunderlich, Simon George Wunderlich, Louisa Wunderlich, Jessa Bell, Alexis Bell, Kendall Bell, Brooklyn Bell, Melody Kennedy, and Liam Kennedy Brother: W.H. "Bill" Isbell & Jan of Rogers, AR In-laws: Randall Calvert of Durham, OK; Betty Fenn of Houston, TX; Darrell Simpson & Joy of Lawton, OK; Yvonne McManaman & Don, of Hinton, OK; Gwen Ware & Bob of Edmond, OK Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. George leaves a legacy of faith, hard work, integrity, truth, and sharing Christ's love to all. Well done, good and faithful servant! Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 2, 2018 First United Methodist Church, Cordell, Oklahoma