One of the Grand Gentlemen of Wapella has passed.
Robert Edward Ishmael, 84, Wapella, died at 1:15 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 6, 2009) at Veterans Administration Illiana Health Care System, Danville.
A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Wapella, with the Rev. Patrick Henehan officiating. Burial will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Wapella, with military honors. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton. Memorials may be made to DeWitt County Friendship Center, American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity or a charity of the donor's choice.
He was born Dec. 16, 1924, in Springfield, son of John Edward and Blanche Ray Ishmael. He married Helen Delores "Fat" Gahr on May 16, 1946, in Springfield. Helen passed away Aug. 10, 1994.
Survivors include his children, Jerry (Lynette) Ishmael, Clinton; Rick (Rita) Ishmael, Wapella; Robin (Herb) Ringenbert, Normal; and Kathy (Roy) Walker, Wapella; nine grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; one son, David on Feb. 14, 1971; one grandchild, Robert Vandervort; one great-grandchild, Aaron Ishmael; and two brothers, Leo and Jerome.
He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Wapella.
Robert was a carpenter for more than 50 years. He was a member of Amvets and VFW, Clinton; Eagles Lodge, Clinton; and the St. John's and St. Patrick's Catholic Church choir. He also was involved with the DeWitt County Habitat for Humanity, and at an age most people begin slowing down, became a long distance runner.
Bob Ishmael was a dedicated servant to the poor and sick, tirelessly volunteering his time and his resources to support the community at large. As much as anyone in Wapella, Bob made himself available for others when his many talents were needed. At the same time Bob was also the consummate gentleman, able historian, and a truly thoughtful person, indeed one of the great raconteurs of any age in Wapella.
All flags 1/2 mast please for US Army Air Corps Veteran of WWII, Bob Ishmael.
4 comments:
Glad to have known Bob and spend quality time with him. My prayers are with Bob and his family. bbd
RIP Bob. Spent more than a few hours with this gentleman over the years, and he really was a class act and a pleasure to know. He will be missed.
Bob was a fine man who I witnessed do some fine deeds on earth. May he rest with God.
HG
Going to miss you uncle bob, you are now in the presence of your heavely father, May all his family and friends find peace and joy knowing the love of this man. David I.
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