Robert Lowell Ison

Robert Lowell Ison 87, of London, OH passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.  He was born February 4, 1936, in Kentucky.  He was one of thirteen children born to the late James Ira and Loretta Good Ison.  Robert spent his early years at the family homestead located at Sacred Wind, KY now known as Cains Creek at Blaine, KY.  In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by three sisters Edna Marie, Wanda Stephens, and Christine Mullins, and eight brothers Carl Ison, Merrill Ison, Archie C. Ison, Howard Ison, Donald Ison, Kenneth Ison, Clayton Ison, and Lonnie Ison.

Robert is survived by his wife Juanita Castle Ison, one son, Robert Ison, and his wife Kay of Louisa, KY, and one grandson, Travis Kyle Ison of Lexington, KY.  When Robert married Juanita, she brought to the family a son, Rex along with a grandson Justin Castle, a granddaughter Kaylee and her husband Eric Stephens, and four great-grandchildren -- Kaylee J., Tarrah, Kirsten, and Douglas.  The family continued to grow with the addition of Justin’s wife Brianne and two additional great-grandchildren, Lana and Kellen.  Along came the fifth generation to this loving family – Jasmine, Lennix, and Charolette.  Robert is also survived by a brother, Curt Ison, and his wife Elva of Los Gatos, California. Rex’s wife, Marissa was a dedicated caretaker for Robert during his last weeks.  Robert loved and enjoyed spending time with his blended family.

Robert was a graduate of Blaine High School where he was Salutatorian of the Class of 1955.  During his later years in high school, he would travel North to find summer work.  One summer he traveled alone to Chicago, Illinois where he worked in a shoe factory.  Robert used his earnings to pay for his educational expenses.  Once his mother moved the rest of the family to Ohio, Robert stayed back and rented a room so he could complete his education at Blaine High School.

Robert entered the United States Air Force in March 1958 serving four years before receiving an honorable discharge as an Airman 1st Class in June 1962.  During his time in the service, Robert worked as a Military Policeman and Electrical Wireman.  During these four years, Robert spent time a Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX, Lowery AFB, Denver, CO, George AFB, Victorville, CA and also served overseas in Okinawa, Japan at the Kadena AFB.  Robert and seven of his brothers spent over 99 years in the United States Military Services including the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, CCC, U.S. Navy, and Army Reserves. In June, 2009 a proclamation from the Kentucky House of Representatives was issued to honor Robert and his seven brothers for their service by renaming Kentucky Highway 3394 (Cains Creek Road) where the brothers grew up as Ison Brothers Veterans Memorial Highway.  An official road sign honoring Robert and his brothers was unveiled at a community gathering and then placed at the beginning of Cains Creek Road where it still stands today.

Robert was employed at Buckeye Steel prior to entering the Military.  Upon completion of his tour of duty, Robert returned to his job at Buckeye Steel where he completed 43 years of employment.  While there he worked as a Departmental Superintendent.

Robert is a member of the Newport CCCU Church where he served as an Elder.  He also served as secretary of the church board and was always ready to help maintain the church and grounds.

In addition to spending time with his family Robert was a sports fan who liked watching the Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, and Ohio State University Football and Basketball Teams play.  Robert was a kind, loving, and soft-spoken man that will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Robert’s Family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation to their extended family and friends that have helped in any way with the care of Robert through his illness.  Your kindness, love, support and presence have helped us to endure the passing of Robert.

The Family invites friends to call at the Newport Church of Christ and Christian Union, 6800 OH-38, London, OH 43140, Thursday, June 1st, 2023,from 5pm to 7pm, with a funeral service to follow on Friday, June 2nd at 1pm officiated by Pastor Bill Benner.

Services have been entrusted to Lynch Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services.