Bobby Leo Carlisle Sr.

Bobby Leo Carlisle was born on August 31, 1937 to Sydney Jelks Carlisle and Lena Gladys (Rich) Carlisle on their ranch in Linden/ Burton, Arizona. He passed away May 28, 2022 in Peoria, Arizona. He was 84.

Bob grew up in the Burton community, attending the Burton Baptist Church all the years of his youth. He completed his first 8 grades in the one-room Burton community school. He attended Snowflake High School and graduated in 1955. His childhood memories include exploring the rugged territory around the ranch with his cousin Jack, teasing his sister Zenith, and his never ending love of hauling water-- never to do that again!

After high school, Bob moved to Pinetop, Az where he lived with family friends Louis and Carrie Calhoun. He also worked at the McNary lumber mill, which was a heavy job, lifting large logs. He was also proud that he helped build the White Mountain Country Club Golf Course.

In 1958, he and a friend decided to "join up". Their choice was the Air Force but the recruiter signed Bob up for the Army instead. He served 10 years as an Army medic with the last year (1967 to 1968) in active combat at Camp Carroll, Vietnam. He returned to Arizona in 1968 with physical injuries and later Agent Orange related disabilities. He received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his bravery and valor.

Bob was very artistic, creating beautiful leather works and turquoise / silver jewelry. Bob and Elaine enjoyed several years of traveling the entire USA. One of his favorite things to do was to sit at the edge of a pasture and watch the deer and elk come in to feed.

Bob worked for many years within the several school districts. He wore many hats including maintenance and driving a school bus. He enjoyed sharing many fond memories of all the kids that were in his care.

Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elaine, Three children, Bobby, Jr., Faye Beyer, and Paul. Siblings, Sid Carlisle (Georgana), Zenith Baker, Joe Carlisle (Donna), Clair Thomas, Martin Thomas and Marlo Thomas. Grandchildren, Catherine (Katy) Gibson (Adam), Jarrod Troska, Shane Beyer and Cassandra McAfee (Kyle). Great Grandchildren, Seriniti Davis, Wesley Davis, Lily Davis, Logan McAfee, Aiden Gibson and James Gibson. Several nieces and nephews.

Family requests only cards, no flowers please and if you wish, contributions can be made in Bob's honor to the Disabled American Veterans at DAV — Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or https://www.dav.org/methods-to-donate/.