Neil Isbell

Neil Isbell, beloved husband, daddy, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 9, 2025, at the age of 91.

Born in Denver, Colorado, Neil was the son of Ettie Jo Kimbriel and Roy Earl Isbell. He graduated from North Side High School in Fort Worth in 1951 and pursued higher education at Texas A&M University in College Station and Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.

Neil married the love of his life, Eva Katherine Mangham, and together they shared 61 years of devoted partnership. They shared the joy of raising their beloved daughter, Juliet. He dedicated 36 years of service to the Texas Electric Service Company, where he worked in both the Survey group and the Transmission, Design and Construction group.

A man of quiet strength and unwavering loyalty, Neil found his greatest joy in family. He rarely missed a recital, game, or celebration involving his grandchildren, and his presence was a constant source of encouragement and pride. He was a cherished member of the Loyalty Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, where his faith and friendships flourished.

Neil was also a licensed pilot with a passion for adventure. He delighted in flying family and friends to destinations near and far—including memorable trips to Barrow, Alaska and Guatemala City, Guatemala. His love of aviation extended into his membership with the United Flying Octogenarians (UFOs), a group that celebrates the spirit of flight well into later life. Neil was also a member of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) and AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association).

His love of travel and adventure was bolstered by his involvement with Fort Worth Sister Cities International. Neil was a member of a delegation that traveled to all 9 sister cities across the globe. But a spontaneous trip to west Texas with his grandson may have topped the list with lunch at Ms. Allen’s and a splash in the water park in Sweetwater.

A man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of watching Gunsmoke, playing dominoes, drinking Dr. Pepper, and eating chicken fried steak and lemon meringue pie, Neil also appreciated the arts and was a member of the Symphony League of Fort Worth. Basketball was his favorite sports pastime, especially when he was able to watch his favorite players-his granddaughters. He also donated his time by serving as an usher for the Van Cliburn International Piano Competitions and at the Bass Hall.

Neil is survived by his wife, Eva; his daughter, Juliet Allanach and son-in-law, Will; grandchildren, Elizabeth Katherine and Matthew Kimbriel; and his bonus granddaughter, Chinelo Lucy Ibeh; his brother, Don Isbell of Grapevine; his sister, Earlette “Susie” Isbell of Fort Worth; nephews, Matthew Chapman, Darren Isbell, Donnie Isbell, Nathan Isbell; nieces, Phyllis Chapman Goodwin Bragg and Shonna Isbell Whitmore. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he helped create.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth with a reception for family and friends following the service. 

Graveside Service: 12:00 Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Rose Hill Cemetery, 7455 CR 2578,  in Terrell, Texas.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to First Street Methodist Mission (fumcfw.org/mission) or First United Methodist Church (fumcfw.org).