John R. Ishmael, 63, of Witt, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019, at Pana Community Hospital, with loved ones by his side after battling cancer for seven years.
A retired self-employed plumber for Ishmael Plumbing for many years, he was also a past member of the Masonic Lodge, as well as the Pana Sportsman's Club. He loved fishing with his buddies, Rich and Gloria Ginger, and taking road trips with his buddy, Ivan Barr. He also loved spending time with family and will be missed here on earth for his handsome smile and contagious laugh.
Born on Aug. 24, 1956, at Hillsboro Hospital, to the late Russell Ishmael of Nokomis and Nancy West of Pana, he has lived around the Rosamond, Pana and Nokomis areas most of his life.
Besides his mother, he is survived by five siblings, Debra (Kim) Evans of Moody, TX, Diane (Vern) Bunker of Alaska, Jerry (Becky) Ishmael, Nancy Kinsey and Rusty (Donna) Ishmael, all of Pana; many nieces, nephews and cousins
He also leaves behind Reeda Bundy of Witt, with whom he was in a relationship with for the past 15 years; his fur buddy, Bandit Jack Ishmael; and he was the only-known grandpa to Arianna, Christian, Aarion and Jersey.
In addition to his dad, he was preceded in death by his grandparents.
A memorial service is being planned for a later date.
