Laurence (Larry) Istas, 90, of Reidland, Kentucky, died January 3, 2016, at his home.
Larry is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jonda Istas; his two children, daughter Tracy Istas and son Laurence Istas and his wife Daeng from California; his step-children, John Kroehnke and wife Amy of Benton, KY, and Amy Allison and husband Neal of Nashville, TN; and four grandchildren, Michael, Nick, Cate, and Remy.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Evva Istas (a former art teacher at Tilghman High) after 37 years of marriage; his parents, Edwin and Axeline; and five siblings.
Larry has lived in Reidland for over 50 years since being transferred from Michigan to work at Pennwalt (now Arkema) and retired as Manager of Engineering. He was born in Havre, Montana, the youngest of six children. When he was about six years old, the family moved to Battleground, Washington. He spent his formative years in the Northwest. Larry loved the outdoors. He skied, climbed mountains in the Cascades, dug for arrowheads, hunted, and salmon fished.
Drafted into the Marines, he served in the South Pacific mainly on Kwajalien Island during World War II. After the surrender of Japan, his unit saw the devastation caused by the atom bomb. Following his discharge, he attended the University of Washington on the GI Bill where he received a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering.
In his later years, Larry was a voracious reader and enjoyed solving sudoku and crossword puzzles. His generosity flowed to all who knew him, just like the beloved Tennessee River behind his home.
An informal celebration of life reception for family and friends will be held at Filbeck-Cann & King Funeral Home on Thursday, January 7, from 3:00PM-5:00PM.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Larry’s favorite charity, Kentucky Sheriffs’ Boys and Girls Ranch, PO Box 57, Gilbertsville, KY 42044.
Condolences may be sent on-line at www.filbeckcannking.com