Roy Carlisle
Roy Bolton Carlisle was born to Bolton and Edith Carlisle on June 5, 1926. He had bright blue eyes and was full of energy. He grew up and went to elementary school in the small farming town of Staples, Texas. Roy liked to go wolf hunting with his father and his favorite dogs, Jack and Sam. He had an active childhood and even played baseball on his father’s team. He was a memb
er of the Staples United Methodist Church, in Staples, Texas.
Roy graduated from Prairie Lea High School in 1943. World War II was in full swing and Roy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was deployed on the USS Bland, USS Pickaway, USS Fairland, USS Lyon, USS Lavaca, and USS Dashing Wave. He served on Okinawa, Shima, Ryukyu Islands, and China. He was present for the surrender of Japan in China. He was honorably discharged, and to his last day very proud to be a United States Marine.
Roy returned home and married Jane Eloise Reedy on Nov. 26, 1947. They went to Three Rivers, Texas, to be married by Rev. L.C. Sansom. They were married for 68 years.
He completed his education by earning a Permanent State of Texas Teaching certificate and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts from Southwest Texas State University, or Texas State as it is now known, in 1950.
Roy has been a member of the Grand Lodge of Texas, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for 60 years.
Roy and Jane had two sons, Roy, Jr. (“Sonny”) and Steven. He began work in Civil Service for the United States Air Force in 1951. He was an instructor with the Air Force – Air Training Command. During this time he earned numerous awards and citations cumulating with the award of the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. He retired from the service the end of 1981. During this time he made many friends and helped put both sons through college.
After eight and a half years in retirement, in 1990 he went back to work this time for Alaska Airlines in Anchorage, Alaska. He worked in Fleet Service maintaining aircraft interiors. He really enjoyed working again and made many new friends. After a few years he moved into the Fleet Service Seat Shop working on cleaning and repairing aircraft seats.
“Papa,” as he became known, loved being close to his grandchildren Kristin, Steve Jr., and Jessie. He adored each one of them and enjoyed their different talents and accomplishments. He found living in Alaska fun, going salmon fishing with friends and family, caribou hunting with his son, Steve, traveling to Germany and Hawaii with his son, Sonny, and going to the Alaska State Fair each year.
He helped his two sons with projects on their homes, driveway snow removal, and was always willing to help out on the next project. He was known for his story telling and his opinions about things made outside the USA.
Roy almost never met a stranger, he loved getting to know people.
After 15 years of working at Alaska Airlines he once again retired. During his time at the airline he witnessed his son, Sonny, become an Alaska Airlines Legend, something he was very proud to see.
Shortly after retiring, he and Jane moved back to their home in Texas. He missed the Last Frontier but quickly occupied himself with one of his favorite pastimes yardwork. He harvested pecans from the trees in his yard and cared for nine miniature goats.
During his last year and half he was lovingly cared for by his friend and caregiver Dana Gibson from Prairie Lea, Texas
Roy is survived by his wife, Jane; sons Roy, “Sonny” Jr. and Steven; daughter-in-law, Jennifer; and grandchildren Kristin, Steve, Jr. and Jessie.
Family received friends at Pennington Funeral Home, from 4 – 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. A Celebration of Life Service was held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in the Pennington Memorial Chapel. Graveside Services, with military honors, will be held at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery in Anchorage, Alaska, at a later date.
Arrangements by Pennington Funeral Home, San Marcos, Texas, (512) 353-4311.
My ex-husband and I bought our first house from Mr. & Mrs. Carlisle in Prairie Lea. As a young married couple, they were the sweetest people I had ever meet. Although I left Prairie Lea many, many years ago, I can’t drive thru Prairie Lea and not think of the Carlisle’s. Heaven was definitely blessed with another angel. My thoughts and prayers and with the family.