Lee Isom, age 93, of Mullen, Nebraska, quietly passed away in the early hours of Nov. 17, 2021, at his home of 47 years just north of town.
Funeral services will be held at the Mullen United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 21st at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Shanon Williams officiating. Military Honors will be held at the Church after services. Visitation will be Saturday, November 20th, at the Mullen Funeral Home from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Mullen United Methodist Church and the Mullen Public Schools Athletic Fund. Govier Brothers Mortuary of Broken Bow/Arnold/Mullen are in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at govierbrothers.com. Guests are encouraged to wear their Mullen or Husker clothing.
Lee Alton Isom was born on August 29, 1929, to Charles and Nellie (Boyer) Isom at their home north of Mullen. He attended Mullen Public Schools from the first grade (being homeschooled prior to that) through his graduation in 1947.
After high school, Lee worked at the Mullen CO-OP until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1950, serving in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. Lee returned to Mullen after serving in Korea during the conflict, and was quoted as saying that since then, “I thank God I’m in Mullen, Nebraska.”
In 1954, Lee met Mary Lou Martinez at a dance in Seneca. After dating for five years, Lee and Mary Lou were joined in matrimony on June 8, 1959.
That same year, Lee founded and managed Lee’s Market until a fire in Nov. 1974 burned it down. Afterwards, Lee drove the Handi-bus and worked a variety of positions around Mullen. Lee most recently served as Hooker County Treasurer for 20 years.
During this time, Lee became politically active in a number of elections, helping such candidates as Governor Kay Orr, Governor Dave Heinemann, Senator Chuck Hagel, Nebraska Treasurer John Murante, as well as numerous others.
In 1973, Lee and Mary Lou officially adopted their oldest son, Shawn, who was born on Dec. 24, 1968. Shortly after the adoption, their second son Charles was born on Aug. 20, 1974.
One of Lee’s greatest joys in life was celebrating the achievements of his hometown Mullen Broncos. He was part of the high school football team’s chain gang for more than two decades and he was not only a regular at Bronco basketball games, but their practices also. He was even able to attend the boys’ basketball team’s championship run in 2017.
One of his proudest moments as a fan was in 2004 when he was named “Fan of the Year,” In 2017 Lee was also honored by the Mullen Championship basketball team at the sports banquet, something that came as quite a shock to him and Mary Lou.
Lee is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Lou, his sons Shawn (Jean) Isom of North Platte and Charles (Nora) Isom of Ashland and three grandchildren – Seth Bargell, Sydnee Isom, and Ana Isom.
Lee was proceeded in death by his parents Charles and Nellie Isom.
