Donald Carlisle

He was born Sept. 22, 1920 in Hillsboro, OR, to Percy and Edith (Mumm) Carlisle. He graduated from Milwaukee High School in Milwaukee, OR, and served in the military from 1938-46. He ended his military service as a Major in the Air Force and was active in the National Reserves for another 18 years. He was interviewed by Aims College for the WWII Veterans History Archive Project and was featured in their Report to the Community magazine. While attending Colorado State College (now the University of Northern Colorado) he began crop dusting. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education and history, he operated Greeley Aerial Crop Dusters into the 1970s (including a flight-school to teach the art of aerial spraying to veterans returning from the Vietnam War). During that time he served several years as the airport manager for the Greeley Weld County Airport. He also managed businesses in photography and finance.

Don married Carolyn Herbst in 1946. They had two children and were later divorced. In 1977, he met and married the love of his life, Betty Merchant (Johnson). They have spent 38 very dynamic years together busy with many vigorous activities and a 25th Anniversary Alaskan cruise.

Don enjoyed 53 years of flying and only gave up riding his motorcycle in his late 80s. He was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, fishing, and daily stock market internet reviews. He always felt family was important and lived long enough to treasure time with his four great-granddaughters and Betty’s six great-grandchildren.

Don is survived by his wife, Betty; son Bruce Carlisle (Lyn) of Greeley; daughter, Julie Brim (Bob) of Kersey; grandchildren, Debby Romey (George); Jennifer Hooten (Paul) all of Greeley; Robyn, Bobby, Joel, and Amy Brim; all of the Greeley area; great-granddaughters, Sophie and Aubree Romey; Malie and Delanie Hooten. Nieces: Carolyn Robinson of N. Carolina, and Sharon Propizio of Florida. Stepsons, Mark Johnson (Pamela); Steve Johnson (Paula); stepdaughter, Karen Winter (Ron) all of Greeley; step-grandchildren, Russell Johnson (Annie), Stefanie Johnson (Abdul), Erik Johnson, Lauren Johnson, Leslie Johnson, Morgan Winter (Ben), Emery Winter, and six step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Carlisle, and his parents.

A Celebration of Don’s life will start with a visitation being held at 12:00 P.M followed by services starting at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at the Allnutt Macy Chapel, 702 13 Street, Greeley, Colorado, with a reception to follow. A private interment will be held at the Eaton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Weld County Humane Society in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO 80631. Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.