Ismail Oliver

Ismail Oliver, a beloved son, brother, husband, father and devoted servant of God, passed from this life on July 10, 2025, at the age of 47. Though his years may seem few, Ismail’s life was rich with purpose, passion, and unwavering faith. From the very beginning, Ismail’s life echoed the rhythm of divine calling. Born with a God-given gift of music, he began crafting rhythms at just 2 years old, banging out beats on pots and pans with a spirit that couldn’t be ignored. His mother, who was a multi-instrumentalist and gifted saxophonist herself, quickly recognized the talent in her son and became his first teacher and greatest encourager.

By age 4, Ismail was playing drums-standing up to reach the foot pedal- known in his community as “the Little Drummer Boy, with his mother, brother, and two younger sisters, he performed around his hometown and in churches, touching lives with music and faith. His talent caught the eye of famous gospel artists even at a young age, it was his heart for ministry that truly defined him.

A true witness for Christ, Ismail began evangelizing at a young age-going door to door, encouraging people to attend church, and using his music to spread the gospel. He mastered the drums, and began piano, and started composing original songs filled with soul and scripture.

Ismail’s mother, the late Tonya Oliver McGregor, was a devoted woman of prayer, committed to lifting her children up before the Lord and instilling in them a strong foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. She believed that prayer was the great gift a mother could offer her children. Following divine guidance, she was led to Des Moines, Iowa. At age 10, Ismail and his family became members of Christ Apostolic Temple under the leadership of the late Bishop Jeremiah and Mother Willie May Reed. The church became a spiritual home and a place where Ismail’s calling truly blossomed. The family went right to work and the music department. He immersed himself in the music ministry, wrote songs for the children’s choir, and quickly took to the organ. It wasn’t long before he knew-this was what he was born to do.

By the age of 13, Ismail was already serving as the second lead musician at CAT. At 14, he was playing full-time, dedicating his teenage years to mastering his gift. He gave up many of the typical teenage experiences to spend countless hours practicing becoming a true prodigy. By 16, he had earned the title of Minister of Music-known affectionately as “the Bishop’s Organ Player.” He and Bishop Jeremiah Reed shared not only a ministry, but a bond as mentor and mentee, a relationship built on trust, respect, and spiritual connection. Ismails’ love for music was matched only by his love his family. As the oldest son, he carried a great sense of responsibility-helping his mother and guiding his siblings with strength and compassion. Their home was always filled with instruments, and no matter what, they came together through music.

Humbled, Ismail remained grounded despite his extraordinary talent. A musical genius, he touched lives across the world-teaching, mentoring, and producing music with major artists, while never seeking the spotlight for himself. He earned a master’s degree as a Talent Architect and became a well-respected talent developer, empowering others to discover and cultivate their musical gifts. His heart, however, always remained with the youth and the brokenhearted. He created a youth drum corps as an intervention program to reach at-risk youth-using rhythm as a path to restoration. His influence extended far beyond the stage-into homes, churches, and hearts everywhere.

Above all, Ismail cherished his role as a father. He adored his 4 children, spending precious time with them watching movies, making music, and sharing in laughter. He delighted in passing down the legacy of faith and music, knowing he was raising them on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. He also had a deep and abiding love for the mother of his children and the commitment to raising their children on the firm foundation of faith in Jesus Christ.

Ismail lived his life as a servant-of God, of music, and of people. His legacy will live on in every soul he inspired, every musician he taught, every rhythm he created, and every heart he led closer to Christ. He proceeded in death by his mom-Tonya Oliver McGregor of Des Moines, IA; dad-James Akins of Racine Wisconsin; Grandparents Raymond Oliver Sr and Irene Oliver of Racine WI; Sister Lashawn Akins of Racine, WI. He is survived by his children, Milana Oliver of Louisville, KY; Baz, Rosemary, and Rocco Oliver all of Des Moines, IA as well as his siblings Raheem (April) Oliver, Aisha (James) Goodlett, Patricia Oliver; Bernadette Ricks; Thomas (Davonna) Ricks; Charles Ricks; and Cletus McGregor all of Des Moines, IA; Derek Cunnigham, Jameel Cunningham, Lashawn Akins, Monica Akins all of Racine, WI and countless other family and friends whose lives were forever changed by his faith, his music and his unwavering love.

A visitation will be held at Christ Apostolic Temple (1230 E 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50316) on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m.