Isley, Leo Duane 1926-2007

ISLEY, BOWERY, COONEY

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/3/2008 at 20:39:14

Leo Duane "Cotton" Isley was born on March 19, 1926, in Pleasantville to William Albert Decatur "Dee" and Lola Mae (Bowery) Isley.

Leo attended schools in the Lovilia and Williamson area. He joined the United States Navy on Dec. 13, 1945, and served for two years during World War II.

On April 15, 1950, he married Rita Cooney. Leo farmed for a short time, and in 1961, the couple moved to Knoxville where he operated Leo's Skelly Station for over ten years. Later he would be employed at 3-M where he worked in production for over 12 years. After his retirement, he drove a school bus for the Knoxville Schools, which he continued to do until 2006.

Leo was a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W. He enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandkids' school activities.

Leo passed away on March 7, 2007, at the West Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center at the age of 80.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rita in 1998; sisters, Mable Halligan, Leona Becker and Grace Isley and brothers, Chester, Cecil and J.D.

Survivors include his children, Dianna (Terry) Edwards of Knoxville, Susan (Dale) Leeper of Lufkin, Texas, Barb (Craig) Stull of Knoxville, Beth Isley of Iowa City and David (JoAnne) Isley of Chariton; sisters, Phyllis Seibert of Phoenix, Ariz. and Mary Lee Winters of Douglas, Ariz.; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and his companion, Lucille Fortune of Newton.

Funeral services were held on March 10 at Bybee & Davis Funeral Home with Father Phillip Ryan as the celebrant.

Interment was in Graceland Cemetery.

Military honors were accorded by the United States Navy, American Legion Baty-Tucker Post 168 and the V.F.W. John Myers Post No. 3519.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa or to the St. Anthony's Youth Program.

The Knoxville Journal Express, March 25, 2007