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John Carlisle

John Verl "Big John" Carlisle of Ponca City, Okla., and former resident of Shidler, Okla., died March 5, 2007, at his home.

He became ill in August and on Jan. 3, 2007, found out he had cancer of the brain stem. He was 61 years, 10 months, three weeks, and six days old.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. March 8 at the United Methodist church in Shidler with the Rev. Billy Long officiating.

John was born March 6, 1945, at Shidler, Okla., the son of Straud Franklin and Alice Marie (Helms) Carlisle.

He attended school at Foraker and Shidler, leaving in the 11th grade to join the service.

He served in the U.S. Air Force for almost a year, then received an honorable medical discharge.

John worked in the oil field and did other odd jobs until several years ago when he formed the John Carlisle Fencing Company, built hundreds of miles of fence, several sets of cattle pens, and buildings for area ranchers and others. Most recently he completed construction on the new Century Livestock building in Shidler for Joe Payne. He also raised Boer goats. He loved animals and being around them.

John was known statewide for his hard work and for being an honest and truthful man. He loved people and loved being around them to "shoot the breeze." He helped many people who were down on their luck and never expected anything in return. All he asked for in life was family and friends to be honest, truthful, and respectful, all of which he returned 110 percent. John will be missed, for he was bigger than life to most and a hero to others.

He first married Eva Lou Grady in September 1963, and they had five children before they divorced.

On Jan. 22, 2006, he married Anna (Hardy) Colbath at his home in Shidler. She has two children from a previous marriage, Michael Colbath of Stillwater, Okla., and Kristine Colbath of Oklahoma City, Okla.

Other survivors include his wife of the home; sons, Kevin Carlisle and Erica of Shidler, Okla., John Carlisle of Tulsa, Okla., David Carlisle and wife Lori of Ponca City, Okla., Michael Colbath of Stillwater, Okla.; daughters, Paula Carlisle Phillips and Lee of Tulsa, Okla., Angie Carlisle Hess of Catoosa, Okla.; stepdaughter, Kristine Colbath of Oklahoma City, Okla.; ex-son-in-law, Robert Phillips of Tulsa, Okla.; 15 grandchildren, Kristina Corbin, Kevin James, and Victoria Kay Carlisle, Robert, Timothy, and Anthony Phillips, Fredrick Brown, Samantha Kay Carlisle, Brandon Lee, Meggan Leann, Madilyn, and Alexander Carlisle, Christian, Jarod, and Gavin Eggers; three great-grandchildren, Nikolas, Zoe, and Tabita; sisters, Mrs. Paul (Frankie) Fulsom of Cedar Vale, Mrs. Jerry (Arley) McNeil of Argonia, and Mrs. Jay (Hazel) Pontious; sister-in-law, Mrs. Bill (Christine) Carlisle of Grainola; 17 nephews and nieces and their spouses; one special aunt, Lela Helms of Moline; other relatives; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William Straud (Bill) Carlisle and two nephews, Myles Dane McNeil and Jimmy Wayne Pontious; two great-nieces, Montana Carlisle and Rachel Fulsom; and one great-nephew, Christopher Jackson.

Casket bearers were Jay Crow, Carl Ball, Joe Payne, Kenny and Brian Kingsbury, and Thomas Ehrlich.

Honorary casket bearers were J.R. Anderson, Chip Charlton, and Ray Hargess.

A friendship gathering followed the service for all friends and family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 1904 N. Union, Ponca City OK 74601.

Davidson Funeral Home of Fairfax, Okla., was in charge of arrangements.

— paid obituary

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