Thirty-seven years ago in San Antonio, Texas, the world was blessed with the birth of Israel "Izzy" Lara. He died following an automobile accident on Friday, January 27, 2012. Izzy will be remembered for the love he gave to his family and for his passion for old cars, especially Chevy's. He worked at Laidlaw Corp, Monroe Truck Equipment, and most recently Kuhn-Knight in Brodhead. He enjoyed attending "cruise nights", helping with the car show at the Monroe Balloon Rally, and playing horseshoes.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Sandra Rose Lara of Monroe; and was proud of his three loving children, Mercy, Israel, and Jade Lara.

His memory will also be kept alive by his family in San Antonio, his mother, Sylvia Lara; brothers, Richard and Urban; aunts, Red, Linda, Stella, and Josie; an uncle, Pete; and cousins, Eddie, Billy "Bug", Rosita; and many other extended family members.

A visitation for Izzy will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established for his children's college education at First National Bank in Monroe.

To send an expression of sympathy go to www.newcomerfuneralhome.net.

"Keep the classics on the road and smoke it if you got it."