Isaac "Ike" Essex, Jr

Isaac Essex, Jr. aka “Ike” was given life on Friday, June 25, 1943 in Marion, Alabama, the 8th child of thirteen, born to Isaac and Dinah (Banks) Essex.

He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age at Hickory Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Ezell Stephens. Upon moving to Fort Wayne Isaac joined Providence Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Calvin Howell.

Isaac attended Hanna Elementary School and was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Perry County, Alabama in 1962. He was avid basketball and an outstanding baseball pitcher for the Marion Braves along with playing with other teams in Fort Wayne. He later received his degree in masonry which he was a sought-after finisher (he had skills of making the concrete slick as a baby bottom). After graduation he headed for Detroit, MI and later made Fort Wayne his home. Many of Fort Wayne buildings like the old Fort Wayne National Bank and the City County building he was a contributor. Ike was a member of Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons. Local #692. He retired in 1995 after his health began to fail.

He enjoyed being with family and friends.

On Tuesday afternoon, June 12th, Ike entered Heaven’s Gates, as his angels, medical team encamped around him. There waiting to meet him was his parents, Deacon Isaac Sr. and Mother Dinah Essex; grandson, Marc X. S. Essex, Jr.; siblings, Deacon Arthur Essex, Sr., Deacon Albert Essex, Annie Essex, Rosanne Essex and Mable Martin; sister-in-law, Mattie Lou Essex and brother-in-law, Deacon Henry Perry, Jr.

He leaves to celebrate his life, love and legacy are his beloved children, Marc X. S. Essex, Sr. (Tiyana Echols), Terry Haywood, and Jerry Haywood; special friend, Mary Fields; special children, Robert and Phillip Ward; siblings, Ernest Sr. (Elizabeth) Essex, Frances (Lee) Milan, Mary E. Perry, Mary L. Essex, Deacon James (Velma) Essex, Wilma (Paul) Everette, and Wilbert (Cora) Essex; sister-in-law, Gladys Essex; 14 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; friend, Lois Owens-Essex, special cousin, David Essex, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends.

He will be laid to rest in Covington Memorial Gardens

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