Verne Allen Isbell, 95, of Strasburg, Ohio, died January 14, 2008 in New Dawn Retirement Community at Dover.  A son of the late Ralph and Etta (Grannis) Isbell, Verne was born January 1, 1913 at Hawthorne, California.

Verne graduated from South Pasadena High School in California and in 1937 he married the love of his life, the former Hazel Churchill.  The couple resided in Glendale and Thousand Oaks, California before relocating to Strasburg where they lived for the past 19 years.

Verne honorably served his country in the United States Navy and was retired as an Engineer from the Southern-Pacific Railroad where he worked for 40 years.  Verne was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Glendale, the Masonic Lodges of Pasadena and Thousand Oaks, California and at Strasburg.  He was also a member of the Scottish Rite at Canton, Ohio.

Verne enjoyed traveling with Hazel and he will be most remembered for his generous nature.  He was always willing to help a friend in need no matter the situation.  Because of his generosity, Verne was considered a dear friend by many.

Preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter Elizabeth Tillotson; and brother, Lyle Isbell.  Verne is survived by his loving wife Hazel; a daughter, Bonnie Tillotson of Alta Loma, CA; a granddaughter, Mystra Tillotson of Woodland, CA; and a sister, Dorothy Pittinger of Atascadero, California.

The Times Reporter, January 16, 2008