A true American Hero, WWII Veteran Daniel Rodger Carlisle II formerly of Holton, Indiana, passed away on Friday morning, Oct 20th. Dan was born on September 5, 1925 the son of the late Daniel and Elma (Walter) Carlisle in Brecksville, OH. He lived there with his parents and sister until the age of 5 when the family moved outside of Cleveland, OH.
He was fascinated early on by airplanes, and this started a passion. After graduating from Parma High School, he joined the Army Air force in 1943 to become an aviation navigator. He received his aviation navigator license in 1944.
Dan proudly served our country with the 8th Air force in England, and was a member on 25 missions in a B-17 bomber. He considered it a thrill to become airborne and enjoyed giving it power. After his active duty tour, Dan joined the Reserves. When the Korean War began he was approached to go on a combat mission, he declined, stating “I have been shot at enough and do not want to be shot at anymore.” Dan returned to civilian life.
His work career provided new challenges and aspirations after earning his B.A. He worked as a systems engineer, spending time early on with IBM, and then the Smucker Company, ending his career with Federated Department Stores in early retirement.
Dan met the late Sandi (Dyer) and the two raised their children. They decided to move out of Cincinnati city life to the country and bought a piece of property outside of Osgood. Unfortunately, Sandi passed away in 1995 prior to the building of their retirement home. He completed that dream and enjoyed the wooded property. He could often be seen visiting and sharing friendship at the local McDonalds.
Dan was preceded in death by his wife Sandi, his parents and sister Jane Rohrbach of Middlefield, OH. He is survived by daughter Kimberley (Mark) Magoch of Somerville, OH., son Darren (Teresa) Beckham and grandchildren Candace and Pete of Hamilton, OH.
A celebration of life is planned Saturday, October 28, 2017 with friends and family starting at 2:00 and funeral services at 3:00. All services will be held at Neal’s Funeral Home in Osgood.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Dan’s name to the American Cancer Society or an Alzheimer’s Foundation.