Roy Bolton Carlisle

1926 - 2016

Roy Bolton Carlisle was born to Bolton and Edith Carlisle on June 5, 1926. 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 member of the Staples United Methodist Church, in Staples. Roy graduated from Prairie Lea High School in 1943. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in World War II. Roy 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 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 in 1950. Roy has been a member of the Grand Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for 60 years. He began work in Civil Service for the United States Air Force in 1951. During this time he earned numerous awards and citations culminating with the award of the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. He retired from the service the end of 1981. After 8 1/2 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 eventually ending up working in the Seat Shop. 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 and moved back to Texas. 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; son, Roy Jr. (Sonny); son, Steven; daughter-in-law, Jennifer; and grandchildren, Kristin, Steve Jr. and Jessie. Graveside Services, with Military Honors, will be held at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery in Anchorage, Alaska, on Feb. 25, 2016, beginning at 2:30 p.m. After this service a Celebration of Life will be held, beginning at 4:30 p.m., at Faith Christian Community, located at 4240 Wisconsin Street in Anchorage.