Tony Allen Isaacs

Colonel Tony Allen Isaacs USA Retired, 74, a devoted Christian and proud veteran, husband, father and grandfather passed away on the evening of Monday, May 29, 2023 at Tacoma General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He fought a long and courageous battle with cancer for the past 6 years. Tony exemplified strength, dignity and humor as he faced the many challenges and difficulties of this brutal disease.
Tony was born on February 18, 1949 in Johnson City, TN to Earlene (Jones) and Glen Isaacs, the oldest of their three children. He graduated from East Tennessee State University, Cum Laude, with a BS in Industrial Engineering in 1971. Tony was active in the ROTC program while attending ETSU and was the student Commander his senior year. Tony was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army upon his graduation. He had his first assignment with the 1st Squadron, 2d Armored Calvary Regiment (2ACR), where he spent 5 years patrolling the Czech and E. German borders during the Cold War.
Tony received a Master of Industrial Engineering and Management from Western Carolina University in 1983 while working full time as an Assistant Professor of Military Science with the ROTC program. He influenced many students under his tutelage who went on to become senior officers themselves, crediting Colonel Isaacs with their successes.
While assigned to Rose Barracks, Vilseck Germany, he was Chief of M1 DTT, responsible for distribution and transitional training for the new M1A1 tank into Germany. Colonel Isaacs went on to serve two more assignments with the 2d Armored Calvary Regiment, serving as the Executive Officer of the Command and Control Squadron and finally as the Battalion Commander of the 1st Squadron, where he had begun his career. Colonel Isaacs took his Squadron to Gulf War in Operation Desert Storm where they actively fought, contributing to the liberation of Kuwait. His Squadron was a participant in the Battle of 73 Easting, "the last great tank battle of the 20th Century". Among his many awards, he received a Bronze Star with "V" device for heroism (4th award) for his service in the Gulf War. Colonel Isaacs was very proud of the time spent in the 2ACR and its motto "Toujours Pret" (Always Ready) became a theme for him. He held numerous other Command and Staff positions throughout his career and attended Joint Service Staff College as well as the Army War College. Colonel Isaacs' final military assignment was back to Ft Lewis where he became the Brigade Commander of the 191st Infantry Brigade, overseeing the preparedness testing of National Guard units throughout the US and territories. Colonel Isaacs retired from Active Duty in 1999.
Upon retirement from the Army, Colonel Isaacs worked his second career for several defense contractors as a Vice President, Senior Operations Director, Deputy Program Manager in Support Mission, CONUS developing training programs for National Guard and Reserve Units for all branches of the military. He worked in these positions from 1999 until his final retirement in 2020.
Tony married the love of his life, Lisa Beth Varner, while assigned to Ft. Lewis in 1980. They were married 43 years. They welcomed Tony's son Jason in 1981 and their daughter Emily in 1983 to their family while living in NC. During Tony's 28 year career, the Army would take them around the United States and Europe. Together they had 14 moves while on active duty, living in NC, FL, PA, IL, KS, WA and two additional tours in Germany, making several moves within a few of these locations.
Tony was a dedicated and hardworking employee and volunteer throughout his life. His desire to make whatever community he lived in better was evident in his willingness to step up and help. He volunteered for his children's schools, churches he attended and most recently for the Fox Island Yacht Club serving in a variety of positions from Boating Safety Education and working through the Bridge Chairs serving as Rear, Vice and Commodore as well as Immediate Past Commodore.
Tony was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in Hoodsport. He loved hosting family and friends to fun times around the fire pit with lots of laughter and storytelling. He loved boating and relished in the many fishing trips on the Salty Stew and cruises on his dreamboat, the Island Girl, with his wife Lisa and the FIYC. He was so very happy to have granddaughter Elliott as his Jr. Captain and "Navigator".
Tony was a true gentleman, a great friend, a loving family man, and a wonderful role model for many who came in contact with him. He had a very quick wit and a wicked sense of humor. He had a great repertoire of "Tony-isms" and stories that kept his family and friends entertained with lots of laughter. He was loved beyond measure and will be cherished forever.
Tony is preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Steven. He is survived by his loving wife Lisa, son Jason, daughter Emily and her husband Danny, granddaughter Elliott, sister Glenda and the many members of his extended family.
The family welcomes friends to join them for a celebration of life service for Tony on July 30 at the Fox Island Yacht Club at 1:30pm with a reception following. Please come to share your stories and remarks about this amazing man!
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in memory of Colonel Tony A. Isaacs, at- https://donate3.cancer.org/?lang=en or by calling (800) 227-2345. Thank you!
A special thanks to the Doctors and staff of Madigan Army Hospital ENT Clinic, Multi-Care Oncology Clinic in Gig Harbor and the staff of Tacoma General ER, Vascular ICU and Vascular Surgery Recovery Units as well as the Chaplains at TG. Your amazing care gave Tony six more years of life and happiness to spend with his loving family and friends.