Robert Isom

Robert W. (Bob) Isom, 89, of Decatur, passed away March 3, 2018 at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur, IL.Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur with visitation from 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Burial will be at Mt. Gilead Cemetery, Decatur. Memorials in Bob's Honor may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or to Holy Family Church. Bob's spiritual friendship with Fr. Joe meant the world to him.Robert was born February 13, 1929 in Springfield, IL the son of Russell William and Anna Eugenia (Durkin) Isom. He married Virginia Meyers on May 5, 1952 in Springfield. She preceded him in death January 11, 2007.Dad started his career in retailing with Meyer's Brothers Department store in Springfield, IL in 1939. He began pushing a broom and caught the eye of all the Meyer's Brothers. It was at Meyer's Brothers where he met and fell in love with our Mom. From there he became the best haberdasher the world has ever seen!Dad was transferred to Mattoon IL and opened a new Meyer's Brothers in the Mattoon Mall. In 1971, Dad was transferred once more to Decatur, IL to run two Meyer's Brothers stores as well as open a third outlet in the Holiday Inn, now Decatur Conference Center and Hotel.In the mid to late '70's, Dad purchased Burstein's Women's Apparel in Downtown Decatur and Brettwood Village. After Burstein's he went to work with his good friends Bill Kawaski and George White at Newman's Apparel in Decatur and several other stores in central Illinois. After leaving Newman's he went to work at K's Merchandise and retired in 1990. Dad came out of retirement in 1991 to pursue a career in commercial real estate in which he held his Broker's License since 1959. He retired from Isom Realty Services in 2009.Dad made a lot of friends that he spoke of often. He valued each and every one. If we mention our name is Isom, invariably someone will ask "Are you related to Bob?" Bob truly enjoyed his time at Imboden Gardens and The Glenwood. He knew half of the residents and much of the staff knew someone who had worked with him or knew of him.Dad taught several business courses at Millikin University. He was a one time member of the Chamber of Commerce, South Side Country Club, and the Decatur Club, where he sat on the Board of Directors for several years.Bob and Virginia enjoyed their winters together in Jupiter, FL, Bonita Springs, FL and Madeira Beach, FL. Bob later spent winters in Cape Coral, FL. Bob adored his family. Holidays were a treat at the Isom's! He enjoyed grilling and martini-ing.If you knew our dad then you knew he was a sharp dresser-from his sport coat and tie to his shoes. He never owned or wore a pair of blue jeans or tennis shoes. Affectionately known as "Hot Rod" he had a quick wit and a mischievous smile. He was also known as the "Mayor of Hackberry Place" It was a title he shared proudly with Keith Boaz.Bob is survived by his 2 sons, Rob (Denise) Isom and Rick (Kim) Isom both of Decatur, IL; and three grandchildren; Kevin (fiancee, Ashley Turner), Christopher, and Kayleigh Isom.Bob was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Virginia. "
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