ISOM, PAUL AND MARION (PEARMAN)

by Paul and Marion Isom

Entry F213 from the History of Hooker County Nebraska
with permission of the Hooker County Historical Society

Paul Isom Family, 1957. Paul, Robert (Rob), Larry and Marion

Marion and Paul Isom 1982

Paul Marion Isom, a retired dirt contrac-
tor, was born in Cherry County, Curlew,
Nebraska postoffice 7/2/1917 to Charles
Terry and Mattie Elmira (Carr). Paul's
mother died when he was 9 years old. He
attended a rural school in Cherry Co. Dist. 98
and the Reigle school. In early life, Paul
helped his father carry mail and was em-
ployed as a ranch hand. 1937, at the age of
19, he went to work for Franke Construction
Co. of Mullen, Nebraska as a truck driver. He
was a Le Tourneau operator at the time he
entered the service, February 1942. From
1942 to September 1945 Paul served WWII
in the army acquiring the rank of Sergeant.
His overseas tour took him to Oahue in the
Hawaiian Islands in '42, Ulithi in the Caro-
line Islands, South Pacific from 1944-'45. He
received a citation for his scholastic ability.
After Paul's discharge, he returned to the
Franke Cons't Co. With perseverance, he
became skilled in the operation of all ma-
chines owned by the Co. In 1949 he started
taking pilot lessons from Loren Eaton as Mr.
Franke planned to buy a plant to expediate
supervision of the company's projects. Short-
ly before Mr. Franke's death in march 1950,
he incorporated his business. After his death
Paul and Charles Folk began operating the
Co. and soon purchased Mrs. Franke's inter-
est in the company. Paul served as Vice-
President of the corporation until the com-
pany was sold. The company's projects
required Paul to be away from home during
the week and sometimes outstate, but the
philosophy he maintained was "It's not the
quantity of the time spent with family but the
quality!" His unostentatious manner is dis-
played to all.

The company was sold in May 1976 and
Paul purchased the shop and office building,
operating a welding machine shop, known as
Franke Machine Shop until January 1, 1983
when his business was sold to Scott Ballard.
Since his retirement, he keeps busy with his
artistic ability in creating articles of wood,
some of which his daughter-in-law, Nancy
decorates with rose malling, and makes
unique pictures from wood carvings. His
satisfaction from his creations is "giving."
The blizzard of 1949 stand out in Paul and
Marion's memory, as the evening of January
1, 1949, they started to Whitman, Nebraska
where Marion was teaching. They turned
around just west of Hecla, when the storm
worsened, to return to Mullen as visibility
was almost nil. As they drove into town, the
car's motor was sputtering and ready to give
up - they considered themselves very lucky!

Paul and Marion Belle Pearman were
united in marriage February 18, 1950 at
Hyannis, Nebraska. Paul's new car had not
been delivered so Bob Blakely, Ford Dealer
at that time, loaned them his car. Paul and
Marion have two sons, Larry Lee and Robert
Charles (Robb) (see their stories). Marion
was born 1927 to Robert Ernest
(Little Butch) and Rena G. (Allen) at Seneca,
Nebraska in a log house. She attended a rural
school in Cherry County Dist. 107 through
the 6th grade and completing her elementary
schooling at Highland School in Hooker
County. In the 8th grade Marion had the
honor of being Hooker County's spelling
champion. After graduating from Mullen
High School in 1943, she began teaching in
rural school in Hooker County. She taught till
her marriage to Paul. Summers were spent in
college or working. The summer of 1944, she
worked as bookkeeper for the Farmer's
Elevator co. owned by Theodore Folk. The
next 20 years after marriage were spent as
homemaker, although she never lost touch
with education, serving as substitute teacher,
summer school teacher, private tutor and
continuing her own education. Her first
experience of college life was the summer of
1945 at Kearney. In 1969 she returned to
Chadron State obtaining her B.S. degree in
1972. While attending college she belonged to
the Sigma Delta Nu Honorary. Since receiv-
ing her degree she has acquired a year of
graduated study. Marion returned to full
time teaching in 1969 and is currently
teaching 5th grade in Mullen Elementary.
Her career has spanned over 44 years, and her
love for teaching is always being inspired by
a visit from a former pupil. She has always
taken an active part in her children's activi-
ties and community services. A special
highlight was the "Tom Thumb Wedding"
that she and Virginia Bader co-sponsored for
the Pioneer Memorial Hospital benefit in
1955.

One of Marion's hobbies is spending time
in her kitchen making many "tasty" goodies
which she shares with friends to enjoy.

The Paul Isom's have always lived in
Mullen because of Paul's business. In No-
vember 1965, Paul dug the basement for their
new home and they moved in May 1966. A
major part of the outside and inside finishing
work was completed by family members a
proud accomplishment.

Paul and Marion are both avid readers -
especially history of the United States. They
share many and varied interest. Traveling to
see their children and their families takes top
priority in their lives.