Donald Ray Carlisle

Donald Ray Carlisle, 85, of Aurora, Missouri, and formerly of Judsonia, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2025. He was born in Texas on June 9, 1940, to the late Edward and Pauline Carlisle. Known to most simply as Donny, he spent his early years working in the fields as a farmer before beginning a long and dedicated career in construction. Don’s strong work ethic and leadership earned him the respect of many while working for McMurry Construction, where he traveled across the country building hotels. Over the years, he served as a well-respected foreman and later a superintendent before his first retirement. Never one to stay still for long, Don went on to transport heavy equipment for Merritt Equipment before finally retiring for good in Judsonia, where he enjoyed tending his garden, spending time with his dogs, and fishing with his beloved wife, Sherry. Faith was at the center of Don’s life. In 2008, he began a prison ministry—writing letters of encouragement, sharing Sunday school lessons, and offering spiritual support to men and women in the Arkansas prison system. What started small grew over time to reach federal facilities, touching countless lives. Don was a true family man and a handyman who could fix just about anything. He was also known for his sense of humor and love of “backache medicine”—better known as ice cream! As he often told Sherry, “If there’s no cookies and ice cream in the house, then there ain’t no groceries.” He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sherry Carlisle, and his son Ricky Carlisle. He is survived by his sons Gary Carlisle of Lubbock, Texas; Wesley Carlisle of San Francisco, California; Dennis Carlisle of Aurora, Missouri; Simon Carlisle of Georgia; and his daughter Misty Casteel of Judsonia, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Feed the Children, causes Don passionately supported throughout his life. Visitation and Funeral Services Visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Dripping Springs Assembly of God Church in Judsonia, Arkansas. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Brother John Blankenship. Interment will follow at Fredonia Cemetery in Bald Knob. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Bradford.

Donald Ray Carlisle

June 9, 1940 - October 13, 2025