Carlisle, Paul LeRoy, Lt Col

CARLISLE Paul L. Retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Paul L. Carlisle, 88, of McClure, Ohio, 24 year decorated Air Force Veteran, died peacefully Saturday, October 2, 2010, at his residence. He served as a fighter pilot of the Army and Air Force flying missions in Europe and Korea from 1941 to 1965. He ended his military career with the Strategic Air Command at Griffiss AFB, NY. Colonel Carlisle was a Silver Star recipient for risking his life for a fellow downed pilot. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross and other medals including, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army and Air Force WWII Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and the United Nations Service Medal - Korea. After his retirement from the Air Force in October of 1965, he worked for the State of Ohio Department of Bridge Inspection, District 2 from 1965 to 1987. He was a member of the McClure American Legion Post #332, the Luther R. Colby VFW #8218 of Napoleon, the Retired Officers Association - Toledo Area Chapter, the National Rifle Association, the Maumee Valley Sportsman Club of Malinta and the Masons of Grand Rapids, Ohio. He was also a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church of McClure, Ohio. Paul was the son of the late Clifford and Cora (Snyder) Carlisle. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 4, 1922. On June 18, 1947, he married Jessie Toenningsmeyer, who preceded him in death on March 1, 1994. He is survived by sons, Paul D. Carlisle of Campo, California, and Gary W. Carlisle of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 5 grandchildren, Randy and Michelle Carr, Kelly, Mark and Paul Carlisle, and 3 great grandchildren, Jillian Reagan, Riley and Hannah Carr. He was also preceded in death by a step son, Earnest R. Carr in 2003. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in McClure, Ohio. Officiating Pastor Richard Weaver. Visitation will be held from 2--8 p.m., Friday, at Rodenberger Funeral Home in McClure, Ohio and 1 hour prior to services at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Hockman Cemetery in McClure where military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Air Force Funeral Detail and the McClure American Legion Post #332. Suggested memorials are to St. Paul Lutheran Church, McClure, Ohio. Online condolences may be made at: www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com