Glenn R. Carlisle

Elder Glenn Richard Carlisle, 93, of Goshen departed this life on Sunday, November 6, 2016 after many years of faithful service to church, country, and community.

Glenn was born October 2, 1923, to Elder John D. and Vera L. (Serig) Carlisle, and raised in Goshen along the Tuscarawas River.

Glenn was united in marriage on January 12, 1947 to Leah M. Coutts of New Philadelphia. Glenn and Leah raised their family and lived together for 56 years in the home they built themselves on top of Goshen Hill.

Following his graduation from Midvale High School, Glenn served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his discharge, he was employed in his father's tractor shop and at the Universal Sewer Plant at Goshen for several years, before operating the Carlisle Insurance Agency, and Carlisle Canoe Center, for many years.

Glenn served for 40 years as Goshen Township Trustee, four years as Tuscarawas County Commissioner, many years on the local election board, and served as president of Midvale and Goshen PTA.

Glenn served for 69 (ordained in 1947) years as a self-supporting minister of the Community of Christ (formerly Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). Glenn served several terms as pastor of the Community of Christ's New Philadelphia congregation, as well as congregations in Canton-Massillon and Alliance.

Following his father John's example, Glenn extended his ministry beyond the walls of the church, officiating at over 650 funerals and 100 weddings for both church and community members, usually donating any honorarium to charity.

Glenn was active for many years in the Dover-New Phila Ministerial Association. Glenn mentored dozens of ministers, including many from other denominations, in performing their first funerals or marriages. He served as an informal chaplain to area veteran's organizations, and was a tireless visitor to area hospitals, nursing homes, and shut-ins.

Inspired during a visit to Haiti as a volunteer worker for Habitat for Humanity at age 66, Glenn devoted a great deal of time in his remaining years to raising money for the children of Haiti and schools sponsored for their benefit.
One of Glenn's greatest pleasures was promoting the Tuscarawas County area, the community of Goshen, and the Tuscarawas River to visitors, customers of his canoe livery, and anyone else who would listen. He knew many stories about the area's history and seemingly knew everyone in the county, as well as whom they were related to.

Glenn lived his faith in many ways in his public life serving in local political office, serving as a minister, serving veterans and school organizations, and raising funds for many good causes. The newspaper articles and memorabilia documenting his public service filled many pages in the scrapbooks he assembled in his later years.
But Glenn also lived his faith in his personal life he donated gallons of blood over his lifetime, and collected over 250, 000 aluminum cans for Haitian children. He visited the sick and the grieving at all hours of the day and night. He gave money, jobs, rides, counsel, and support to many people in need. Glenn felt called to do these things as a minister, but also as a good neighbor and citizen.
His children and family members have heard many stories of Glenn's kindness and generosity from many people over the years. Together with his loving wife Leah, who faithfully supported him in all his endeavors, Glenn leaves a lifelong legacy of service and good works.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

Matthew 25:21

Glenn is survived by his five children -- Leah Jane of New Phila, Cathy (Larry) Beeble of Columbus, Rebecca (Alan) Bosler of Dundee, Glenn Russell (Kathy) of Winfield, and Timothy (Gretchen Rose) of Madison, WI; by his twelve grandchildren David, Michael, and Matthew Marshall; Trent Beeble and Kaitlin (Beeble) Finan; Jason, Andria (Bolden), and Nathan Bosler; Aaron, Ryan, Jared, and Emma Carlisle; and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Glenn was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Leah M. (Coutts) Carlisle; his brothers James W. and Louis Carlisle, his sister Lois (Carlisle) Vandever, and by his great grandson, Alexander Marshall.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 10th at 11:00 am in the Community of Christ Church at New Philadelphia with his son, Glenn R. Carlisle and Elder Patty Spears officiating. Interment will be at the Evergreen Burial Park where the New Philadelphia VFW will conduct military graveside services. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover on Wednesday from 5-7 pm. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Glenn may do so by visiting the online obituaries and flowers link on the funeral homes website.

Donations in Glenn's memory may be made to the children of Haiti via Outreach International, P.O. Box 210, Independence, MO 64051.