Richard T. Dick Isman

Richard Thomas “Dick” Isman was born June 21, 1940 in Adams County, Iowa, the son of George T. Isman Jr. and Doris I. (Spring) Isman. When Dick was ten years old, his parents divorced. Jr. and Dick lived for a time with the Edward Thomas family south of Corning.
On December 7, 1952, his father married Velma Huntington Levi. The newly formed family moved six miles west of Lenox. Dick attended country school through the eighth grade, then graduated from Lenox High School in 1959. After touring the United States in the early 1960’s, he served in the Army from 1963 to 1965. After being honorably discharged from the army he returned to the Lenox area where he met and married Judy Mains of Sharpsburg. Two daughters, Christina and Crystal were born to them. Dick worked in road construction from 1965 to 1970. During the 70’s he farmed north of Corning. In 1980, he and his family moved to southern Missouri, where he ranched until 1985. Dick and Judy divorced while in Missouri. On September 4, 1986 Dick married Rosemary Workman in Branson, Missouri.
Dick returned to heavy equipment and road construction from 1985 to 1990. He and Rosemary traveled together wherever Dick’s work took him, mostly the western states. They divorced in 1990. He then crossed the United States working on gas pipeline construction then returning to road construction out of Omaha. He was known for his skill as an expert in “final touch” grading. Upon retiring, Dick moved to Prescott, Iowa. He then pursued one of his passions of acquiring and restoring vintage cars. He attended many “car shows”, winning numerous trophies and awards.
During the winter months he lived in Arizona where for a time, he worked for the Bureau of Land Management. While living in Arizona, he made many friends. A special enjoyment was going to the gun range with his friend Doug Jenkins. Hiking, exploring, taking pictures while in the “Wild West” were favorite pastimes. One highlight of Dick’s life, was a three month solo trip through Alaska to the Arctic Circle, living and camping out of his car most of the way. He also enjoyed trips to Sturgis on his Harley and his annual trip to “The Old Thresher’s Reunion”.
Dick was a man of many talents, including gardening and canning his own food. He enjoyed visiting and keeping in touch with old friends, coffee time with the guys in Prescott, in Corning, and the cooking at Corning’s meal site.
Dick passed away at the VA Hospital in Tucson, Arizona on April 18, after a short illness.
Left to cherish his memory are his mother; Doris McPherren, Creston, Iowa; daughters: Christina and Crystal, two granddaughters: Chelsea and Marissa, of Missouri. half-brothers: Randy (Patty) McPherren, Unionville, Iowa; Terry (Sue) McPherren, Indiana; stepmother: Velma Levi, Lenox Care Center; stepsisters: Patricia (Larry) Rogers, Lenox, Iowa and Florida; Janet (Greg) Reed, Griswold, Iowa; Mary Anderson, Griswold, Iowa; nieces and nephews; many friends and extended family.
Preceding Dick in death was his father George Isman Jr., brother: Danny Isman, stepfather: Morris McPherren; and stepbrother: Frank Levi.