Ishmael J Ison, age 78, of Hogtown Hill, Elliottville, also lovingly known as 'Daddy Ish' by his daughter, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2015, at St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead. Born January 30, 1937, in Isonville, he was a son of the late Elmer Smith Ison and Florence Ison. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sarah Lyon on June 24, 2009, and two sons, Jeffrey Lee Ison on May 30, 1985, and Carey Eugene Sexson on September 17, 1988. He is survived by his wife, Anna Mae Mefford Sexson Ison, whom he married December 28, 1991; one son, Curtis Elmer Ison and wife Julie of Morehead; one daughter, Melissa Ritchie and husband Rocky and one daughter-in-law, Carol Jean Thompson Sexson, all of Aberdeen, Ohio; six grandchildren, Ayrton Ison, Shayna Ison, Cody Sexson, Nichole Little, Kayla Little, Chase West; two great grandchildren, Kaden Kennedy and Madison Kennedy; and a special friend, Julius 'Julio' Blair, whom he considered a son.. He is also survived by two sisters, Alice June Roth of Beavercreek, Ohio, and Sheila Walters and husband David of Miamisburg, Ohio; one brother-in-law, Walter Lyon of Russell; and extended family and friends. A U.S. Navy veteran, Ishmael was assigned to the USS Shadwell and served active duty from 1958 - 62 and reserves until 1964. He retired in 1994 as a pipefitter/welder from Huntington Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 521 after 29 years of service. Ishmael was a member of Elliottville Baptist Church, Hepburn Masonic Lodge No. 576, Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, El Hasa Shrine, Olive Hill Order of the Eastern Star No. 290, Morehead American Legion Post No. 126 and Sandy Hook VFW Post No. 11428. Known as 'The Kentucky Fiddler,' he enjoyed playing musical instruments in church. Years ago, he played with Keith and Dwight Whitley and Ricky Skaggs for special events. More recently he has played with Dr. Snyder and local groups. He also enjoyed history, gardening, 4-wheeling, horses and especially riding his motorcycle. One of his greatest passions was collecting motivational messages from church signs during his travels and sharing those with his home church. For this dedication, Ishmael was recognized with 'The Pretty Feet Award.' Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, June 15, 2015, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pastor Willie Sturgill officiating and assisted by Ishmael's nephew, Rev. Samuel Trevor Lyon. Pallbearers: Cody Sexson, Ayrton Ison, Tony Lyon, Zachary Lyon, Rev. Samuel Trevor Lyon, Julius Blair, Mitchell Roth and Dan Roth. Interment will follow with military honors at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Northeast, Greenup County, Kentucky. Visitation is 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2015, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead. Visitation: Sunday, June 14, 2015, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Funeral: Monday, June 15, 2015, at 11 a.m. Interment: Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Northeast, Greenup County