Tom Isabel

Tommy Jo Isabel of Farmington passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at Parkland Health Center on February 4, 2026, at the age of 78. He was born in Bonne Terre on January 18, 1948, to the late Thomas “Shorty” Isabel and Neova Jo Moody. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, David Isabel.

Tom was a 1966 graduate of Farmington High School, and soon after his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served on a Navy ship as a cook. Having his newfound cooking skills, Tom returned to civilian life, and through the years, those skills served him well in later life, both in running T.J.’s Diner in Farmington and just cooking meals for family.

Music was a passion of Tom’s, and he formed a Bluegrass band called Liberty Station. The band recorded two albums, one in Nashville. Tom was always proud to have won the coveted County Day’s Best Kept Beard Award.

He had two careers, first as a counselor for Southeast Missouri Mental Health and later as an insurance adjuster for Cameron Mutual and Farm Bureau. He did a lot of adjusting work for catastrophic events. For several years, Tom was a lay minister for the Church of Christ.

He will be fondly remembered for his quick-witted nature, his kind compassion, and his empathy for others.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Sharon (Kitchell) Isabel; children, T.J. (Annie) Isabel, Jason (Emalie) Isabel, Melissa Klemp, and Darren (Jennifer) Klemp; grandchildren, Nathaniel and McKienze Isabel, Troy Mercer, Katrina Sheldon, Eliza, Giana, Jaida, Maiya and Haize Isabel, Alec, Melina and Bella Pigg, Lucas and Marcus Klemp, Casey and Corey Wayne Pigg, Kasey Henson and Katie Likely; a great grandchild, Wyatt Pigg; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Cozean Memorial Chapel beginning at 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. with Clifton Bone officiating. Interment will follow at Parkview Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the funeral home to help defray final expenses or to Back Stoppers in Tom’s name. View the tribute video and share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.