Elwood Clair Carlisle was born on October 28, 1945, in Ashland, Kansas to Elwood and Helen Carlisle. His parents raised him and his two brothers, Ronnie and Philip, on the family ranch just outside of Coldwater, Kansas. Clair – as he was known by everyone – lived on that ranch until his last day on earth. He attended elementary school in a little one room schoolhouse just a few miles south of the Carlisle ranch. Clair then attended middle school in Wilmore, Kansas and high school at Coldwater High School – graduating in the class of 1963 with classmates who remained lifelong friends. Following high school, Clair attended Fort Hays State University. There he met the love of his life, Susan Conard. He was a founding member of the Fort Hays State Rodeo Team and graduated from Fort Hays in 1968 with a bachelors in agri-business.

Clair was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam era. However, while he was in boot camp, his dad unexpectedly passed away at the family home. Clair was honorably discharged to return home and run the family ranch.

Soon Clair and Susan were married during a blizzard in Almena, Kansas on December 23, 1968. God blessed them with three children: Shelby, Chad, and Shay. Clair and Susan followed the Carlisle tradition and raised them at the Carlisle Ranch and took them faithfully to the Antioch Community Church. Clair gave his life to Jesus in 1977 and grew in his love for Christ the remainder of his life.

Clair's big heart expanded to include a larger family and grandchildren who became his pride and joy. Shelby married Randy Willis, and they have Rylee, Roree, and Rance. Chad married Ginger Brown, and they have Cale, Peytyn and Cale's fiancé, Kayleigh Rausch. Shay married Heath Stewart, and they have Chase, Brooke, Jade, and Brooke's fiancé, Jorden Davis.

Clair became Papa and showed his love for his grandkids by sharing his life with them and attending as many of their events as he possibly could. Papa absolutely loved everything RODEO – from his own rodeo days, to watching his grandkids rodeo, to watching rodeo on TV. Papa was also a big fan of basketball and, let it be known, games will be a lot quieter without him in the stands.

Anyone who knew Clair knew that he loved to tell a good story which went along with his love of meeting new people. His ultimate legacy is one of hard work. He worked hard to provide for his family, often taking on part time jobs – he especially loved telling stories from his time working at the salt flats. He worked hard to help anyone who needed it: neighbors, friends, family, or strangers. He told all to "always be a good hand". Those who knew him felt his easy smile, his integrity, his perseverance, his humility, and his love of Jesus.

Clair was preceded in death by his father, mother, both brothers, and a grandson, Cooper Christian Carlisle.

Calling times are from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS.

Funeral Service is at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 13, 2025 at First Christian Church in Coldwater, KS with Pastor Jeff Perry presiding.

Burial will follow the funeral service at Crown Hill Cemetery in Coldwater, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Antioch Community Church in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.