Leslie H. "Chief" Isaacs, 85, of Wood River died 10:08 a.m. May 16, 2006, at his home.

He was retired from Shell Oil Co., where he worked as a machinist in the research lab and back shop.

Mr. Isaacs was born Nov. 24, 1920, in Mt. Vernon to Henry and Hazel (Weidner) Isaacs.

He married Dorothy (Yearwood) Isaacs July 5, 1941, in Mt. Vernon; she survives.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday at Paynic Funeral Home in East Alton. Dr. David Weimer will officiate. Friends and relatives are welcome to the committal service conducted by the Rev. Chuck Ellis at 2 p.m. Friday at Old Shiloh Cemetery in Woodlawn, where Mr. Isaacs will be honored with military rites by American Legion Post 141 of Mt. Vernon. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Paynic Funeral Home in East Alton.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Isaacs is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Faith Isaacs of Baton Rouge, La., and their children, Christine Palermo, Kathy Roccono, Laura Schachter and Karen and Sarah Isaacs; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Joyce and Roy Dildine of Wood River and their children, Tim Dildine, Jeff Tottleben, Juli Akal, Tammy McLane and Amy Macias, Susan Faloon of San Antonio, Texas, and her son, Chris Faloon, and Carol and Steve Weber of Roxana and their children, Meaghan Ellis and Carl Weber; 15 great-grandchildren; a brother, Glen Isaacs of Tennessee; a special niece, Jean Parker of Fairfield; and four special caregivers, Linda Batson, Kristy Burton, Crystal Basteen and Debbie Beasley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Russell Isaacs; a sister, Helen Hall; and a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth.

Mr. Isaacs graduated from Mt. Vernon Township High School and at tended Park Avenue Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon until he moved in 1960. Country music was his hobby and he wrote his own country songs. He loved animals and helped his daughter, Carol, find homes for numerous strays. Mr. Isaacs was a Navy veteran of World War II and was a senior chief aviation machinist's mate, retired from the United States Naval Reserve. He retired Nov. 24, 1980, after 35 years.

Memorials may be given to New Hope for Animals, in care of Bill Stewart. For further information, you may contact Paynic Funeral Home, 618 E. Airline Drive, East Alton, IL 62024 at 259-5320.

Source: Mount Vernon Register News
Date: May 18, 2006
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman

Submitted by: Janice Staples