Clyde Ishmael
Alton |
Clyde Dwight Ishmael passed away at 11:35 am on Friday, March 21, 2014, at the age of 90, with his family by his side.
Clyde was born on a farm near Chandlerville, Illinois on September 23, 1923. His father was Clyde Oscar Ishmael and his mother was Grace Louise (Geuder) Ishmael.
When he was 18, he came to Alton and lived with his brother in law and sister, Kenneth & Lenna Cook. He worked at the old Western Cartridge Co. On March 1, 1943 he was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Force. After attending several different schools, he was assigned to the 458th Squadron, 300th bomb group at Victoria Kansas. While there, he met Juanita Lurene Stevens and they were married on December 2, 1944. Shortly afterward the unit was sent to Guam and he was there until the war ended. After he was out of the service, they settled in Alton and on November 8, 1948 had one daughter, Linda Kay.
He worked as a carpenter at Olin for 16 years. On March 1, 1964 he left Olin and he started C.D. Ishmael Construction Company. His company built many fine homes in this area and became friends with the people he built for. In 1992 his company was lucky enough to build the Godfrey Resurrection Lutheran Church, with the help of the then Pastor Dennis Young and the Church Council. This was the highlight of his career. Clyde and his wife then joined the church.
He is survived by one daughter, Linda (Ishmael) Steele and her spouse James; two granddaughters, Lisa Ditterline and her spouse Jason, and Sara Miller and her spouse Josh; four great-grandchildren, Megan Ditterline, Maddy Miller, Wade Miller, and Lanee Miller; and two great-great-grandchildren, Hayleigh Maher and Chase Doolin.
His wife Juanita passed away on August 24, 1997. Shortly afterward, they incorporated the company with daughter and son-in-law, Linda and James Steele. Clyde retired in 2012.
On September 4, 1999 he married Shirley Meseke and they built a new home in Summerfield. He told her that he knew a good contractor who would build them a good home.
Clyde had a very good life and was thankful for the many good friends he made and a special thanks to the Fischer Lumber Company who helped him through good and bad times.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Lenna Irene Cook and one brother, Wilbert Ivan Ishmael.
Visitation will be from 4 pm to 8 pm on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey.
Funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Godfrey with Pastor Kenneth Tegtmeier officiating.
Military Rites will be conducted by Alton VFW Post #1308.
Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1211 W. Homer Adams Parkway, Godfrey, IL. 62035.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
