Melvin E. ‘Tunney’ Isom

Melvin E. ‘Tunney’ Isom

Melvin E. “Tunney” Isom, 90, of Anna, and formerly of Ullin, died at 2:55 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna.

He was born on June 21, 1926, in Ullin, the son of Merideth James and Cleta Gillette Isom.

He married Alice Mae Redcloud on July 11, 1953. She preceded him in death on Nov. 24, 2001.

He served in the U.S. Army and Air Force in World War II in the Philippines. He was the proud recipient of the Expert Infantry Badge. He started his career at Kroger in Cairo and Kroger in Anna on Davie Street. He managed Wonder Market in Jonesboro and also worked as produce manager at the Anna IGA.

He retired from Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna and was a lifelong antique dealer and collector. After his retirement from Choate, he opened Isom’s Antiques, which is an Anna landmark. He was the proprietor of his shop for over 25 years. He was very proud to be one of the last one owner antique shops in the area.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Kathleen) Isom of Robinson, Patty (Randy) Frank of Anna and Lisa (Roger) Eads of Anna; grandchildren Sara (Jacob) Livesay of Anna and David (Brooke Bittle) Frank of Murray, Ky.; brothers Kenny Isom of Grand Prairie, Texas and Jim Isom of Arizona; a sister, Maxine Johnson of Fulton, Ky.; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Alice Mae Isom; brothers Ralph, Clyde and Clinton Isom; and sisters Sue Murphy and Evelyn Long.

Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro with Jack Thorton officiating. Interment was in the Anna City Cemetery with military services conducted by Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 in Anna and the Illinois honor guard.

Memorials can be made to the Illinois Veterans Home activity fund.

To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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