WEST FRANKFORT – Virgil Isaacs of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family, after a valiant fight with Cancer.
Virgil was born on April 17, 1945, and attained the age of 79. He was born in Mount Vernon, IL; one of 11 children to Virgil C. Isaacs and Alma L. Smith Isaacs. At the age of 17, Virgil enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served three tours of duty in the Vietnam conflict. Virgil married Bernice Barwick Isaacs who survives along with his 3 children, Lori (Ed) Stoner, Scott (Angie) Isaacs, and Shawn (Amanda) Isaacs. Virgil has also been blessed with six grandchildren, Mallori (Marshall) Mummert, Callie (Brandon) Goeke, Remington (Courtney) Isaacs, Lauren Pavelonisa, and Jayvion and Micah Isaacs; and five great-grandchildren, Nora, Thatcher, Greer, Warden, and Lucas who were the sparkle of his eye.
Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings and great-grandson Liam. Virgil was of the Christian faith, a retired coal miner, and member of the United Mine Workers of America. After retiring from coal mining, Virgil was instrumental in the day to day operations at the National Coal Mine Museum formally Old Ben # 25. He later attended Rend Lake College earning an HVAC degree and concluded his work as a Warehouse Supervisor at the Local VF Factory Outlet Mall in West Frankfort. We would be remiss not to mention Virgil’s role as the store prankster at the mall. Virgil’s work ethic was second to none. He worked 84 hours plus per week while working in the coal mines.
As a child, Virgil was raised in Thompsonville, IL, by his grandparents on the family farm. He joined the Marine Corps two days before his 18th birthday. He loved to fish and hunt but most importantly loved spending time at home with his wife and kids. He was a true family man. He was a neighbor you could count on. He was always willing to help others and was the ultimate handyman who could repair anything. He loved to garden and to give away vegetables that he grew. As a father, Virgil was firm but fair and instilled work ethics and responsibility to his children who witnessed what hard work really was and that “nothing in life” came without hard work and sacrifice. Virgil stayed true to his Christian faith and had read the Bible from cover to cover. He loved the Lord and is in Heaven now. To his Grandkids he was “Pop,” to his kids he was “dad,” to his wife he was “Babe,” and a lot of the family called him “Butch.” Although he is gone, the impact he had on so many is overwhelming and he will never be forgotten.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, October 7, 2024, with Bob Norris officiating.
Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion, Illinois.
Visitation will be held from 12-2 p.m. prior to the service.
Military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 1961 of Orient and Zeigler Post 177.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the funeral home.
The Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort is in charge of arrangements.