Ernest William Ison Iii

Preceding Ernest in death were his parents, Ernest William Ison, Jr. and Florence Elizabeth (Brodie), brother Glenn Edwin Ison, first wife Eileen Alice (Skeoch) and their newborn son Patrick Ison.

He is survived by his wife Laurice Ison (Williams), his two sons, Paul Ernest Ison, and his wife Paula (Yamasaki) and John Edward Ison, and his wife Karen (Crawford). He had four grandchildren, Sean Ison, Rachel Ison (Anderson), Sydney Ison and Grant Ison.

Ernest W. Ison III, known by most as ‘Ernie’, ‘dad’, or ‘grandpa’, passed away at the age of 94 on April 1, 2025. He will be greatly missed by his wife, sons, family, and all who knew him.

Ernie was born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 19, 1930 but moved a few years later to Berwyn, Illinois where he spent a happy, contented childhood. Baptized Episcopalian, he served as an altar boy at his parent’s church and enjoyed a well-rounded upbringing.

After his family moved to California in 1947, he finished school and joined the Air Force in 1948. Initially working as an airplane mechanic he later became a Flight Engineer flying C-97s and later C-133 cargo planes. As a Flight Engineer, Ernie was responsible for monitoring telemetry and many other tasks. Traveling extensively, he served until 1962 except for a short time working for IBM repairing business machines.

During his time in the Air Force he met his future wife Eileen Skeoch, who was serving as a flight attendant for troop transports. In May 1954, they wed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC. Eileen retired and gave birth to two sons, both born at Travis AFB, California where Ernie was stationed. After honorable discharge, Ernie and his family moved south to Torrance where they raised their family and lived the remainder of their lives. He was employed as an engraver and tool-maker until his retirement. Sadly, after almost 40 years of marriage, his wife Eileen passed in 1993.

Ernie was lucky in love a second time, eventually marrying Laurice Williams in 1995. Ernie spent the remainder of his life with Laurice, enjoying almost 30 years together before his passing. Ernie was so fortunate to have found two devoted, loving partners with which to share his life.

Extremely adept with tools and an imagination, Ernie found many hobbies to enrich his life including, model trains, stamp collecting, photography, electronic kits, and machinist projects. Well known as a perfectionist, he was extremely organized and meticulous in all that he undertook. And he loved a good gin & tonic!

In his last 28 years of life, Ernie was an active member of Hope United Methodist Church in Torrance, California.

Ernie’s legacy lives on through his family and the people who were lucky to spend time with him. We will all miss his smiles and good-natured personality. Godspeed Ernie!

A Celebration of Ernest Ison’s Life will be held at Green Hills Memorial Park on May 15, 2025 at 11:30AM. A private family-only service including military honors will be held just after.