Donald J. Carlile

Donald Joshua Carlile, 97, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born June 21, 1928, in Logan, Iowa, the son of Joshua Walter and Vernie Elizabeth (Killpack) Carlile. He departed this life Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at his son's home in Lee's Summit.

Donald was a 1945 Pleasant Hill High School graduate, later earning his associate degree from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa.

He was a United States Army Korean War veteran actively serving from February 6, 1951, to January 11, 1953, and for four years in the Army Reserves. He earned the Combat Medical Badge, United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal w/three bronze stars, and the Army Occupation Medal – Japan.

On May 2, 1959, he was united in marriage to Lettie Lavonne Viles in Harrisonville, Missouri, he had baptized her just three weeks earlier. They had three children, Jaylene Lavonne, Donald Basil, and Steven Walter. Lavonne preceded him in death on May 17, 2016.

Donald was employed at Ford Motor Company during World War II (when the facility was producing airplanes for the war effort) but later became a full-time farmer. He farmed and raised cattle near Pleasant Hill for the majority of his life. He was a member of the Pleasant Hill Community of Christ Church serving as minister of the church many years eventually reaching the title of Evangelist. He was also a member of the Pleasant Hill Lions Club, was an active member of the Pleasant Hill Rooster Boosters when his kids were young, served several terms on the Pleasant Hill R-III Board of Education, the East Lynne Elementary Board of Education, the Central CO-OP Board, and was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3118. He enjoyed working his land and cattle, gardening, a good game of dominos, and time spent with his family.

Don was also preceded in death by one granddaughter, Megan Nicole Carlile; and six siblings, Virgil Carlile, Violet Stowell, Mildred Talcott, Jean Hoover, Dorothy Rosanbalm, and June Tygart.

He is survived by his daughter, Jaylene Lavonne Shay of Clinton; two sons, Donald Basil Carlile of Red Oak, Texas, and Steven Walter Carlile of Lee’s Summit; 8 grandchildren, Amy Lavonne Kennish (and Gray Ilaria), Nicholas Donald Shay, Laine Patrick Shay, Jacob Tyler (and Kelly) Carlile, Donald Bradford “Brad” Carlile (and Jennifer Hill), and Caleb Samuel (and Elana) Carlile, Lexi Ann Lettie Carlile (and Brittany Bogan), Tori Terese (and Joe) Pastorelli; three great grandchildren, Hannah Sue Kennish (and Marcos Scrivo), Harper Leigh Shay, and Kylie Jaksyn Pastorelli ; one brother, Marion "Shorty" (and Yvonne) Carlile; several nieces and nephews as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Pleasant Hill Community of Christ Church. Elder Rick Maupin officiated. A Final Salute ceremony was conducted by Past Commander Ron Beatty.

Graveside military services and interment were in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with full military honors by the United States Army and V.F.W. Post #3118 Honor Guard. Casket bearers were Brad Carlile, Caleb Carlile, Joe Pastorelli, Nick Shay, Laine Shay, and Scott Todd. Honorary casket bearers were Shorty Carlile, Bill Carlile, Wally Carlile, Kevin Carlile. Courtney Carlile, Jacob Carlile, Amy Kennish, Lexi Carlile, and Tori Pastorelli.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasant Hill Community of Christ Church or the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong, Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550