Man there's so many memories idk where to start you were the only man who understood most my pain. You knew me better than any man on Earth. We had a lot of good times a lot of good memories it seems I can't tell as many stories when I'm out with friends because you were in so many of them. It seems it's hard for me to talk about my past because you were such a big part of it we drove cross Country as adults got to see most of the Southern U.S. that may be probably one of my best memories was just the trip we took just me n you seeing the countryside and talking about our lives the good the bad and the Ugly. But I kinda felt that was the day we let all the resentments from the past go and were looking for a new start. I thought I was helping by getting you out town for a little while but like we always do we come back home to see our family we get home sick. I'm just proud to say I was the only man that stayed loyal all the way to the very end and still loyal. In the bible it says I'm am my brother's keeper I take that responsibility very serious. I try to be there for Annabelle I pray for Carly and Annabelle your 2 beautiful little girls. Everytime I see Annabelle I see you in her eyes it's amazing how God works we definitely live on.  Just keep watching over our Family especially your daughters that I know for a fact that's all u cared about and lived for. I will always be there for them. Right now I'm keeping my distance because that's what they want and I respect that but if stuff gets real and they need me I'm only 1 call away. Today I'm a Sober man I don't keep up with the days I don't believe in that but it's been weeks and I'm just taking it a day at a time. I believe this time there ain't gonna be no more relapses with all my heart God humbled me deeply. I understand with my past I gotta finally get straight or prison or death and I promised our family I wasn't going out like that and I'm gonna keep that promise God knows what he's doing. 

I am his daughter i dont have many memorys with him but i have one memory and that is my 4th birth day he came in my room and woke me up stood me up on the bed and said ¨do you feel older¨ i loved that memory and i have kept it since. i am 11 years old now and miss him very much. love you daddy see you soon.

Best place on earth...with Jake, Matt and Travis

Grandmama knew the best places for little boys

At the tail end of a full day music fest with his cousin, Jake.

With baby Katie.  Love our little nurse in the making!

He would often climb into  the play yard to play

She was the light in his life. His little Star

Matt,  I’m so sorry life got to hard. Your Marine Buddy in California, will alway keep your memories alive. We had a great time while you were here. 

Rest easy my brother!

I knew Matt in trade school. Just found out, sad to hear this. We are Veterans and that was  our first conversation....
He always stuck me as real and genuine .
I always looked forward to talking to him and sharing about life. 
Thanks for letting me get to know you  my friend.
Aloha brother,  Bob

A couple of things it never took long to learn about Matthew: First, he never met a stranger. Secondly, he was an open book. In addition, it didn’t take long before anyone would question why at around four or five Matthew’s step-son Will inquired with absolute seriousness, “Momma, where did Matthew learn to talk Cowboy?” [A memory that to this day makes me chuckle out loud] Matthew was the definition of charismatic, with as one person put it, the most endearing “Aw, shucks” smile. Matthew became a step-father to William when Will was just two years old. It was a “role” he lived for. As much as his daughter had his heart when she came into the world, so too did William. He loved teaching Will all the “manly” things: fishing, mud-riding, wrestling, three-wheelin’, camping, as well as discipline, resilience, leadership, faith, life as he understood it…and chess. Not a lot of people knew it, but Matthew was a master at chess. Even Gordon [his Dad] was in awe of Matthew’s abilities when it came to that strategic mire of bafflement. He was practically unbeatable. I say practically because there was one person that could on occasion manage to best him and that of course was his beloved William. 
I have been beyond blessed to have been the mother of this remarkable person, even with all the ups and downs and struggles that ensued. I have been beyond blessed by all the wonderful friends and family he brought into our world and helped make our life what it is today. For that I will always be eternally grateful.

Matthew was a sweet soul. Anytime I saw him even as a young teen he was the first to say hello with a huge smile on his face. That always stuck out in my mind about him. I remember babysitting him on Saturdays and he and Travis making my Saturday mornings fun and wild I will miss my cousin. Michelle Thorton

Matt Ison was once selling a car ... they wanted a two door ...He showed them a four door and said “it’s a two door with a four-door option. That is salesmanship 😎 – Hollywood

Through the years Matt's Dad and I, have often spoken of how fearless Matthew was. [Not always a good thing]. One year, we decided to take the kids to Six Flags. For the rides too advanced [spelled s-c-a-r-y] for Travis, their Dad took the honors of riding with Matt. There was one ride in particular Matthew was over-the-moon to ride. “Please, please, please” he begged. I recall how Gordon very quietly stared at the ride for some time, almost as if he were transfixed. After a while, I asked “What are you doing?” “Counting the seconds”, he whispered in my ear. 
As parents we never want to disappoint our children. We wish to bestow them with every joy possible. Matthew came running to me bursting with excitement as soon as he disembarked. “Oh wow, that was so awesome!!! Momma, Daddy had his eyes closed the entire time!!!” In that instant I knew: His dear, sweet loving father had been counting down every last second.

Early on coaching Matt, we were at the Southeastern Championship meet and a swimmer from Memphis broke the 10-under record; I believe it was the 200 freestyle.  Matthew was in awe.  Two years later Matthew won every event that he swam in at that meet including the relays he was in.  Kids were in awe of him then.
When Matt decided not to swim I think I missed most the “awe shucks” smile that he had.  He was truly loved by the team.  They could count on him to give 100 percent on relays.  Relays were always more important than his individual events and he wouldn’t let his teammates down.  When he decided to play football the team convinced me have them run to see him play.   He was so happy and humbled to see his teammates.  He definitely had that “Awe Shucks” smile then.  
I was incredibly fortunate to be able to spend so much time with Matt.  My memories of him really do make me smile.  He will be sorely missed. – Coach Chris 

R.I.P My Brother Christmas wasn't the same without you. We had a lot of good times you definitely made me tough when I was younger hated it thin but now I'm Grateful. You were a great man that helped countless people and always knew how to light a room u. You have been through a lot no one could understand the sacrifices you made for our family and probably never will but we are forever grateful.  It's sad more vets die after they return home than while at war. Well anyways here is a few throw backs. Fly High Brother. –Terrell Ison

I have NEVER posted anything personal and from my heart on fb...but my heart grieves the loss of my nephew Matthew Ison. I was so proud of him and so proud to be his Aunt Teresa. Just as I am so very proud of all my nieces and nephews. Words cannot describe how I feel. I rejoice in death as I rejoice in life. I know that sounds strange but I trust in our Lord and His timing and plan. I know that His ways are best.
Matthew had a very real relationship with the Lord. That I can attest to first hand. We had many long and personal talks of faith and life in Christ. I am so blessed and privileged to have been chosen to be Matthew's Aunt who is now with our Lord.   
Your "Aunt Teresa". The aunt who likes to play games with you, see you laugh and smile and loves to share the love of Christ with you....the "cereal box" Aunt. You all know what that means. Ha! God is good ALL the time. Please don't ever forget that and please don't lose hope. He is a God of miracles and love. 
--Aunt Teresa

What an ordeal the naming our dear sweet Annabelle became. After all, choosing the perfect name for our children is one of the first greatest responsibilities as a parent. Matthew and Brooke disagreed on every possibility and every version of every possibility. Until finally it was decided: The perfect name. The one name that fits her like a glove. The one name in which her specialness and personality would shine through. But wait, it's not over yet....yes there it is; looming before us like the inexplicable insurmountable Grand Canyon.... a middle name to consider. 
Matthew was dead set on Star. Brooke needless to say was as dead set against it. She was looking for something...a bit more traditional and elegant perhaps? So it came to pass that our dear sweet Annabelle ended up with her long and endearing two middles name. Quite long indeed when you consider her first name is also a hybrid of two names. A bit royal, don't you think? Well-suited for a princess in the making. In all honesty, I never quite got why Matthew was so insistent on Star. I am not certain at the time he really knew, himself. What he did know was that it was a "must." Of course she would always be a "Star" in his eyes, and it could be just that simple. 
It was recently said to me, very soon your son will send you a sign letting you know he is okay. As I sit in my comfy chair coffee at hand, I can't help musing, in some only God-understandable way, did Matthew have a sense that one day he would be gone too soon? Is this his sign to all of us who loved and knew him best? Never again will I view the stars in the night sky in quite the same way. He loved his "daddy's girl" more than life itself. Was this his gentle tender-hearted way of letting his starry-eyed princess know that one day soon, God willing, he would be a bright and shimmering star, shining down on her from the heavens, lighting her every precious step on this journey we call life. 
Love and miss you son...until we meet again. Mom

I have spent the past several days planning my eldest son's burial. He was 30 years old. He passed from this earth into the next, five days ago, on his younger brother's birthday. I felt the need to write after reading the anguish of another mother who just lost her child. My son's death was likely intentional...could possibly have been accidental, but matter's not. Either way, his death was a result of his illness. My son, an honorable soldier who served his country proudly struggled for a long time after his return from Iraq. 
Often times when someone passes from us, we say "he/she took their own life." One truth that I know with certainty: it is God and only God who decides when we live and when we die. I know this with all my heart. Over the years, I have witnessed too many times to count God intervene when it wasn't someone's time. Someone who never should have survived, but miraculously they do. It happens every day. More than a few of those times have been with my own son. If he had been capable of deciding the day and time of his death, he would never have seen his thirtieth birthday. God decides when it is our time and we cannot begin to know the reasons why. Being a parent, I know how deep the anguish and how crushing the despair in knowing your child is suffering beyond any real comprehension. Sometimes perhaps their pain has become so unbearable that God decides "Enough. Now is the time for you to come home." Only God knows when their burden has become too overwhelming to bear.
I will miss my son terribly, I already do. And I know there are going to be many difficult days ahead. But the thing that keeps me going, the thing that keeps me from melting into a puddle on the floor is that I know with absolute certainty, it is not for me to question God's timing. God knows so much more than what I know and understands more than I could ever begin to phantom. Whatever decision he makes, he does so with a father's love and that gives me the greatest comfort.  Mo

I’m so sorry, My heart is broken. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Matt, ever since he was in my 2nd grade class. He was tough, but really a good, tender-hearted guy deep down. I loved seeing him at Landmark, and have prayed for him often. My father passed away yesterday, too. I’ll think of Matt, your mama, and you [Travis] & your birthday every November 28th forever. Take care of yourself, and I’m praying for you all! 

Well , I’ve lost another friend... I saw him at his best and worst ... I’ll focus on best ... Matt Ison was funny .... he had a wonderful since of humor and I had the opportunity to teach him sales ... I’ve never had anyone take to it any faster ... He was a really good friend and I got to watch him make positive strides in his life ... Today I believe he’s at peace ... I know for sure he’s not struggling and for that I’m grateful – Joe

When I remember Matt it will always be with a smile. It breaks my heart to know that he is gone. Prayers for his family and friends.

I coached Matthew in swimming when he was young. He was always very respectful and eager to do the next set. I am heartbroken for his family and friends.

I'm about left speechless. But I grew up with my brother 2 years apart he was also my best friend. One of the few people I could count on to have my back and i had his til the end.  When he died a part of myself died. I Know my life is gonna be different from here on. But I still have Faith in God and I know I will heal and gonna stand strong for the rest of my family. I know I can sleep knowing me and my family did everything in our power to be there for him and help him, but God makes the final decision on these things. I've Let go of a lot of things and just gonna let God.I know he's in a better place because when I found him His eye's were closed and he had a smile on his face which tells me he made it to his final destination in heaven.

Matthew, 
                         I still cant believe you are really gone. I think about you all the time. You were my everything. You had such a good heart & spirit. You will be missed by many. You may be gone for now, but never forgotten. We love you & miss u very much. 
                            Always-  DeAnna, your Sweetbaby &  And family
  
**Sending my condolences to the ISON FAMILY **         PRAYING FOR YOUR FAMILY. 🙏🙏

Remembering Matthew Ison as God remembers him! He was loved by so many and he loved his baby girl, Annabelle, more than anything in this world. He was a happy, giving, full of life man with a contagious spirit and charm. He will be missed by many as he is on his journey with God now. This is how we will remember him!!!! Please help us remember him in this way, the way God knows him...no more pain and with all of God's grace! #freedomfromdespair

OBITUARY

Matthew Gordon Ison

Passed away on NOVEMBER 28, 2018

Leak Memory Chapel

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