Funeral services for Mr. John Darrel Israel, Sr. will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Reverend Taylon Hunt officiating. Interment will follow in Alexandria Memorial Gardens, Woodworth, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Mr. Israel, 68, of Alexandria, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Alexandria, LA.

Mr. John Israel passed away leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and devotion to family and friends. He was the owner of Crossroads from 1991 to 2010, where he built lasting relationships and made a meaningful impact on those around him.

John was a proud and active member of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), serving as president for one term. A skilled journeyman plumber and master gas fitter, he also held a medical gas certification. His talents extended far beyond one trade, he was also an electrician, AC technician, mechanic, and teacher. There seemed to be nothing he couldn’t fix. If an air conditioner stumped everyone else, John would find a way to make it run again.

He didn’t just have customers, he had friends. John was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. If you needed help, he was there without hesitation. His generosity and willingness to serve others defined both his career and his character.

John was also a member of the Cosmopolitan Club and had a deep interest in politics. In his younger years, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was known as a great cook, often bringing people together over a good meal. He loved Cajun music and enjoyed the simple pleasure of visiting with family and friends.

Above all, John cherished his family. While he valued time spent with friends and loved ones, nothing brought him more joy than being with his grandchildren. They were the light of his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Angela Israel; his parents, Hampton and Berthaline Israel; one grandson, Tyler Israel; one sister, Sally Chapman; and one brother, Ronald Ray Israel.

Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include his loving wife of eleven years, Pam Israel of Alexandria; his children, John Israel, Jr. of Pineville, Missy Israel of Pineville, Candy Israel Mayer (Marty) of Pineville, Michael Austin (Kara) of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Christina Dyer (Jeremy) of Alexandria; one brother, Dennis Israel of Mamou; three sisters, Sheila Deshotel (Derryl) of Mamou, Roxy Christ (Scotty) of Mamou, and Helen Israel (Paul) of Mamou; eleven grandchildren, Ayden Sistrunk, Caryn Sistrunk, Anna Marie Israel, Jase Israel, Nicholas Austin, Jackson Austin, Leland Austin, Max Austin, Luke Melder, Ben Melder, and Lilly Duncan; and two great grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be held at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will resume in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Nicholas Austin, Luke Melder, Logan Christ, Benji Israel, Jackson Austin, and Leland Austin.