Individual Details

Death

Our dear dad, grandpa, brother and husband, Dr. John Waldon (Elwin) Isom, passed away Nov. 27, 2011, in Cedar City, UT, immediately following a heart attack. Born Aug. 14, 1934, to Waldon and Vera Green Isom in Cedar City, John has five wonderful sisters: Madelon (Reed) Henderson (deceased), Margene (Derle) Thorpe, Ellen (Tony) Western, Audrey (Todd) Minchey and Virginia (Brett) Rushton.
 
In his youth, John spent much time with his father on Cedar Mountain herding cattle and more time at Iron Springs. Having a fun, mischievous streak, he and his childhood friend would corral stray steers, ride the “rodeo” out of them, and then set them free. A Boy Scout, John earned his Eagle. He was a Central States missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who loved serving among the Native Americans. John also served in the LDS Church as a youth leader, bishop, high councilor and in numerous capacities. He received a BA in biology from Utah State University (1958), serving with his sister, Margene, as student government senators. John completed dental school at University of IA and residencies in oral and maxillofacial surgery at University of WA and University of OK.
 John met Patricia Joan Lovejoy (deceased) at University of IA. They married Sept. 6, 1962, in the St. George Temple and had ten children: John (Anne Kelly), Eric (Allyson Bowman), Laurie (Larry Peterson), Jeff, Casey (Jennifer Chen), Shannon (Scott Bingham), Danielle (Keith Van Bezooyen), Kristen (deceased), Ryan (Jennie Hunsaker), and Kimberlee (Andrew Gomez).
 
John began his oral surgery practice in Yakima, WA, then moved his family to a farm in Fruitland, ID, and opened a practice in Ontario, OR. Often, after a full day of surgery, John worked evenings on the farm. A licensed pilot, John loved to fly and owned several small planes and a helicopter. Dad created beloved childhood memories for us, including family vacations, farm life, outdoor activities and sweet treats, inspired by great cook Grandma Isom. He was kind and generous, often opening his home and heart to others, including Juan Rodriguez, an “adopted son.”

In 1993, John and Patricia divorced. He married Maureen Dille in 1994, and lived in Weiser, ID. They later divorced. John married Sheila Summerhays in 1996, and they resided in Cedar City, Weiser and Malad, ID. They later divorced.
 
John and Martha Genel have been happily married the past six years, adding beautiful Arisdelcy to their blended family, which includes Oscar and Carlos, whom John loved as his own. They lived in Malad, Enoch, UT, and Cedar City. Martha cherished and lovingly cared for John.
 
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, at 1 p.m., at the LDS Canyon View Stake Center, 1985 North Main Street, Cedar City, UT. A viewing will be held that morning from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the stake center. Interment at the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.