Ishamel Handshoe, age 87, of Munith, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home in Henrietta Township on July 23, 2026.
Born on November 1, 1938, in Knott County, Kentucky, Ishamel was the son of Dennis and Mollie (Combs) Handshoe. At the age of 16, he moved to the Munith area, where he lived and worked his entire life.
A faithful member of Heeney Road Baptist Church, Ishamel served as a deacon for many years and was devoted to his church family. He worked as a foreman for many years helping Lacerne Dixon on his farm in Munith, one of the state's largest muck-soil operations growing onions and lettuce.
Ishamel was a terrific cook. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with family and friends camping. He was good with his hands and could fix just about anything.
On August 29, 1959, he married Earnestine (Patrick) in Bunker Hill Township, Michigan. Together they shared nearly 57 years of marriage before her passing in 2016.
Ishamel is survived by four children: Debi (Donald) Walz of Waterloo Twp., Timothy (Tessie) Handshoe of Munith, Ishina (Sean) Kane of Jackson, and Ishmael (Sonia) Handshoe of Munith; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers: Darrel (Shirley) Handshoe of Kentucky, James (Delana) Handshoe of Munith, and Taulbee (Fran) Handshoe of Stockbridge; two sisters: Cindy (William) Bennington of Pennsylvania and Verna (Albert) Wireman of Onondaga; and his brother-in-law, Thomas Lowe of North Carolina.
In addition to his wife, Earnestine, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Philmon and Chester Handshoe; and a sister, Cleatha Foster.
Funeral services will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Larry Anglemyer and Pastor Jim Snyder officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Henrietta Township. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heeney Road Baptist Church.
Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
