Jacob Lewis (Jake) Isaac

Jacob Lewis Isaac was born in Coleman Texas on January 19, 1935, to William Tell and Zula Lewis Isaac and grew up in Stamford, Texas. Times were hard for Jake’s parents and his two brothers Bill (William Tell Jr.) and David. Jake’s Dad tried farming and then went to other jobs including Fuller Brush sales before he died at age 54. Zula was a nurse as far back as the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic.

After graduating from Stamford High School in 1954 Jake went to the University of Texas in Austin for a brief time and played in the UT marching band.  He later went to Southwest Texas Teachers College (now Texas State University).

After college, Jake lived in Stamford with his mom for several years. Jake dearly loved his mother and credited her for saving his life when he got a life-threatening infection. He moved to Abilene and worked a short while at Abilene Christian College and then was hired by the city of Abilene Sanitation department, moving on to the Abilene city recycling center.

Jake was a dedicated church member at 11 ^th and Willis Church of Christ for 45 years.  As part of the Operations Committee, he made sure all the church buildings were secure.  He also tended church grounds as well as taking care of anything his “boss” Eileen asked him to do. And he was a beloved member of the International Sunday school class of primarily African refugees.

Jake also volunteered as a school crossing guard and delivered for Meals on Wheels faithfully for several years, developing friendships and checking on shut-ins.

Jake frequented the Paramount Theater going to concerts, symphony, and musical events. On mornings, you’d see him at Jack and Jill Donuts. Jake went on Bilbrey Tours to San Antonio, Galveston Island, Dallas Cowboy games, and Texas Ranger games, just to name a few.  He also went with friends to Enchanted Rock, Sea World, and watched the bats near Fredericksburg.

Jake loved his extended family; many of them calling him uncle or “Cousin Jake” He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. He is survived by great nephews Christopher and Steven Isaac and their families. Other surviving relatives include Betsy Isaac and her daughter, Raychel, Bonnie Isaac, Kate Jones and her two sons Gregg and Brad and their families, Jake and Sandy Isaac and their two daughters Jamie Holden and Leslie Kastner and their families.

A memorial service for Jake will be held at 11 ^th and Willis Church of Christ Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 2 pm with Dr. Curt Niccum presiding. Light refreshments will follow.

Jake wrote:

“ I pray I go quietly into that night where there is no return. I pray that I have no regrets over the things I did not do nor be obsessed by the things I was not able to do. I pray that my family and friends will forgive me my mistakes and wierdnesses. I pray that I will be thankful for the Christian family I grew up in”.

His prayers were answered.