September 5th was an emotional day for the brothers of the Mu Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as one of their charter members, Bro. Bennie Wayne Isabell, passed away on August 31, 2020. He was 73.
Bro. Isabell remained faithful to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity throughout his Fraternal Life, and constantly exemplified the Four Cardinal Principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift, while serving as a devoted Husband, Father, Scholar, Teacher, Cook and Friend.
Bro. Isabell was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated through the Sigma Omicron Chapter in Tyler, Texas, on November 19, 1975. He continued to serve Omega at the Graduate level, by remaining financial until his passing, as part of the Mu Mu Nu Graduate Chapter he helped charter on July 28, 2016.
Born on October 13, 1946 in Tyler, Texas, Bro. Isabell was the firstborn child to the late Bennie Isabell and Lois Lucille Steele. Bro. Isabell was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. As a young adult, he received the Doctorate of Commissioner Science (DSC) Knot Award that recognized the completion of a standardized training program including a thesis or project.
Bro. Isabell attended and graduated from Emmett Scott High School in 1965 and went on to graduate from Prairie View A&M University in 1969, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration & Spanish.
In April 1971, Bro. Isabell joined the Cotton Belt Railroad (which eventually became Union Pacific) in Tyler, Texas. Over his 36-year career, he held various bookkeeping and tax positions. He retired in 2007, but continued to remain busy in the tax and accounting fields. He served on three state associations for over six years, including the Texas Association of Appraisal Districts, Texas Association of Assessing Officers and the Texas Association of Tax Collectors.
Bro. Isabell was a committed supporter of his alma mater, Prairie View A&M, and was an active member of the Panther Backer Booster Club. One of his greatest joys was cooking BBQ, particularly for the Prairie View A&M homecoming every year. He was an avid golfer and active member of the Mu Mu Nu Chapter.
Bro. Isabell worshipped with the Fallbrook Church, where his Homegoing Celebration service was held on September 5th. He leaves to cherish his memory and carry forward his legacy: his wife, Sheryn Isabell; his children, Melanie Isabell Allen (Calvin), Bryn Mawr and Shannon Isabell (Nicole); his grandchildren, Joshua Allen and Noelle Allen; his brother, Carl Isabell (Linda); his niece, Cicely Isabell; his nephew, Corey Isabell; his aunt; Annie B. Hood; a host of family and friends; and his brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, especially the Mu Mu Nu Chapter he helped charter that will forever remain a part of his everlasting legacy.