J.D. Carlisle

JD Carlisle - beloved husband, father and friend passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 24, 2018. JD was born in the West Texas town of Zephyr to Oran Nicholas and Gladys Pittman Carlisle on December 31, 1930. After graduating from Zephyr High School, JD served in the Navy on the USS Essex. He returned to Abilene, where he received his Bachelors degree in Accounting from Hardin Simmons University. He enjoyed a long career as a business manager, controller, and administrative officer for several companies.

True to his West Texas roots, JD was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the camaraderie of a crowded deer lease or celebrating the day’s catch with a fried fish dinner. Never one to sit still, JD was always busy with one project or another. He was a tough negotiator in all his deal-making, a car repair expert (for his children), an avid gardener and a woodworker. He loved watching the Houston Rockets, Houston Oilers, Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Texas Longhorns play on TV and in person at their venues. His tomatoes, lemon and orange trees were always heavy with bounty because of his tender care, and he shared his harvests generously.

Preceding him in death and waiting to welcome him Home were his parents and younger brother, Arvin Carlisle. Left to mourn his loss and celebrate his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Faye, and his six children - daughter and son-in-law Sherri and Ewing Clemons, daughter Deanne Carlisle Yartz, daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and Keith Whitaker, son and daughter-in-law Bryan and Bettie Lyerly, son Randy Lyerly, and daughter and son-in-law Lenau and Don Zito. He is survived by his brothers and sister, Joe Carlisle; Dwain and Marie Carlisle; Elaine and Truman Nall, along with numerous nieces and nephews. His family meant everything to J.D. He was the peacemaker and the hub of connection for his family, his children, and his grandchildren – Lauren Clemons Stanbery, Ryan Clemons, Kelly Clemons, Elizabeth Clemons, Nicholas Yartz, Heath Whitaker, Stephen Whitaker, Bryanne Michelle Lyerly Mlodzianowski, Travis Payne, Jackie Zito Ponder, Brian Zito, and Jennifer Zito Randall – who loved spending time with their Pap. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Caroline Ponder, Noah Ponder, Benjamin Ponder, and Ella Grace Whitaker.

JD leaves behind many great friends in Texas and Louisiana as well. His quick wit, passion for sports, and willingness to lend a hand at any time will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home, 13102 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77060. A Celebration of Life will begin at 2:00 pm on Friday, August 31, 2018 at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in JD’s honor to your favorite charity.