Dr. Charles Harlow Isbell
Long-time Doctor and Community Leader
Dr. Charles Harlow Isbell was born to Charles and Aileen Isbell on October 17, 1908, in Kansas City, Kansas. He was the oldest of three children. He was a 1934 graduate of the University of Kansas Medical School. He interned at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. He then completed his surgery residency at Kansas Medical Center.
Charles’ first private practice was in Beloit, Kansas before moving to Jasper, MO in 1939 and to Carthage, MO in 1940 with his wife, Allene Duckett Isbell, and young daughter Ann. A son, Kent Isbell, was later born but died at the age of one year due to hemophilia that led to internal bleeding. The Isbells would later welcome a son, Edward, after Charles’ return from war.
Dr. Isbell served during World War II with the U.S. Army’s 98th Evacuation Hospital in the Pacific Theater. He served for 39 months, of which, the last four he was the Chief Surgeon for the unit. The 98th was the only American hospital there when the Japanese warlord, Hideki Tojo attempted suicide at his home. Tojo was taken to the 98th for treatment. While there, Dr. Isbell was awoken from sleep to operate on Tojo. He was instrumental in saving the warlord to appear before the bar of justice. For his services, Dr. Isbell was given a sword from Heidki Tojo from the Tojo family for saving his life.
Dr. Isbell’s commanding officers have said “Captain Charles Isbell was one of the most competent and most dependable of the unit. Excellent judgment and he operated on more of our serious cases”. And “This officer is an outstanding surgeon. The best-qualified man in general surgery in this unit”. Another stated, “Dr. Isbell was the backbone of the surgical service, especially during the combat operations. Excellent judgment and technique, especially in abdominal work”.
When he returned home, Dr. Isbell began practicing again in Carthage where he would stay until his retirement. During this time, he and two other doctors established the Medical Arts Center, served as the Chief of Staff at McCune-Brooks Hospital, was a member of Grace Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry and as senior Warden, a member of the Carthage Rotary Club, Jasper County Medical Society, Missouri Medical Society, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Family Practice.
Dr. Isbell was known for his quick wit, delightful sense of humor, gentle presence, and amazing bedside manner. He was available to his patients day or night. He was an advocate for mothers getting up to move around after childbirth rather than laying in bed and he was a huge proponent of car seats for children.
Dr. Charles Isbell suffered a heart attack on January 2, 1979, and passed away on January 4, 1979, at the age of 70. He is buried at Park Cemetery in Carthage, MO.
