Ervin Lee Isbell, 66, of Santa Fe, passed away on July 16, 2014 at UT Southwestern St. Paul Hospital in Dallas, Texas from pneumonia a complication from his chemotherapy for GBM. He was born in Texas City, Texas on May 14, 1948 and was adopted when he was 3 days old by his loving parents, Ray and Georgia Isbell, of La Marque.
Ervin began his police career on May 3, 1972 at UTMB and was a Sergeant to many fine officers while there. After leaving UTMB he went on to serve Jamaica Beach. In 1988 he began his 20 year tenure with Galveston PD. During his service there Ervin was a patrol officer, evidence technician and crime scene investigator. After retirement Ervin continued to serve his community by joining the Santa Fe ISD PD in 2010 at the junior high. Ervin was able to see the good in all kids. He loved to take them under his wing for guidance.
Three of Ervin’s loves in life were barbecuing, fishing, and RVing in his Columbus 5th wheel. He was active with the Special Olympics Torch Run and Beat the Heat. Ervin was also a decorated and well respected Vietnam Veteran. He was a Specialist 4 who served with the 1st of the 501st A Company 101st Airborne Division. While in Vietnam Ervin earned a Bronze Star with Valor for going beyond the call of duty and exhibiting acts of heroism. He always had a word of encouragement. Ervin exhibited acts of bravery by carrying wounded soldiers to medivacs. He was respected by his peers, senior officers, and NCO’s. He will never be forgotten by his brothers in arms.
Ervin is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Georgia Isbell; and mother-in-law, Jeane Brown. He is survived by his wife of 38 wonderful years, Jeane Ann Brown Isbell; four children: Michael, Leigh Ann, David and Scott; and of course, Daisy. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins and sister, Patricia Isbell, and of course, Larry and Brenda Laird and Jess and Peggy Johnson.
Ervin’s family will receive visitors from 5:00 until 8:00 pm, Tuesday, July 22nd, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home.
Funeral service will be 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 23rd, at Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church, 2803 53rd Street in Galveston with Rev. Craig King officiating. Burial will follow at Galveston Memorial Park in Hitchcock.
Pallbearers will be Trey Brown, Larry Fleenor, Jess Johnson, Larry Laird, Barry Whitburn, Eddie Vasquez, and Rick Neal. Honorary pallbearers will be Zach Brown, Michael Isbell, David Isbell, Scott Isbell, and Charlie Sterling.
Glioblastoma Multiforme usually is found in the cerebral hemisphere of the brain. It contains a mixed grade of cells. This tumor represents 17% of all primary brain tumors. Abta.org
The Isbell Family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the entire Galveston PD for their unconditional support.