Joseph Martin Carlisle Jr

Joseph Martin Carlisle, Jr., “Joe,” born May 23, 1938, in Cairo, Illinois, to Joseph Martin and Pearl (Hargan) Carlisle, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving daughters on July 20, 2025. He was 87 years old.

Joe grew up in Charleston, Missouri, where he attended St. Henry School and Charleston High School and left an indelible mark on the athletic field. A gifted athlete, Joe earned all-state honors in track for three consecutive years—1954, 1955, and 1956—he placed first in the 100-yard dash with a time of 9.8 seconds, a record at the time, and was part of a record-setting mile relay and 800-yard relay team, also setting state records. Joe was a catcher for the Charleston Bluejays and was invited to try out for the Baltimore Orioles. He was also a standout quarterback and safety for the Charleston High School football team, earning him the nickname, ‘60-minute man’ in local newspapers.  His talent on the field earned him a football scholarship to Murray State, where he continued his athletic career playing football and as a member of the track team.

In October 1961, Joe was drafted into the United States Army, where he served with honor as a hospital medic. He was promoted to Specialist Class E-4 Corporal in 1962, exemplifying dedication and leadership throughout his service.

After his time in the military, Joe returned home and bought Seesing’s Tavern in Leopold, Missouri, where it became known as "Joe’s Place", which he and his wife Angela operated from 1964 to 1991. The establishment became a beloved community gathering spot under his care. Joe’s hospitality shone through at his fish frys and dove frys at the tavern. Later in his career, Joe worked as an insurance agent, continuing his passion for serving others.

Deeply rooted in his faith and community, Joe was a devoted member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Leopold and, later, St. Denis Parish in Benton, Missouri. He was a proud 4th Degree Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus in Leopold and actively participated in many civic and religious organizations throughout his life.

Joe married the love of his life, Angela Beussink, on December 29, 1962. Together, they shared a beautiful marriage of over six decades, raising four beloved daughters: Michelle, Cindy, Carol, and Kristi. Joe and Angela also extended their love and care to Crystal (Beussink) Thele, Danielle Beussink, and Amy (Beussink) Wilson after the passing of their parents.

Joe’s zest for life was evident in his many hobbies. He was a loyal fan of the Cardinals, an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, especially with his grandkids, hunting, coin collecting, and training bird dogs.  His competitive spirit also came alive around the card table, where he cherished the camaraderie of his friends. Later in life, Joe especially enjoyed watching his grandkids’ sporting events and made many new friends in each of their communities.

Joe had a natural gift for storytelling and making others laugh. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father, loving grandfather, great-grandfather, and loyal friend. His warm heart, gracious spirit, and lively sense of humor left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Above all, Joe was a faithful follower of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Angela; daughters Michelle (John) England of Farmington, MO, Cindy Ishaak of Cape Girardeau, MO, Carol (Charlie) Heisserer of Kelso, MO, Kristi (Doug) Schlosser of Oran, MO; brother Mark Carlisle of Springville, TN; sisters in law Myrna Carlisle of Sikeston, MO, Geri Geringer of Leopold, MO, Jenny (Greg) Nenninger of Leopold, MO,  Sandy Beussink of Leopold, MO, Debbie (Kyle) Eudy of Jackson, MO; brother in law Joe (Debbie) Beussink of Mountain Home, AR. In addition, Joe is survived by nine grandchildren: Logan England, Alex England (fiancee Anna Gardner) all of Farmington, Victoria and Nicky Ishaak of Austin, TX, Taylor (Zach) Frey of Kelso, Madison and Drew Heisserer also of Kelso, Olivia Schlosser (fiance Derrick Priggel) of Oran, Riley Schlosser also of Oran; two great-grandchildren Charlie Kate Frey and Leona Ishaak; family friend Carman Blair. Joe has many nieces, nephews, and friends who will also miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Pearl; mother and father-in-law, Ben and Bertha Beussink; brothers, Alfred, Dennis and Jimmy; sisters in law Lydia Beussink, Marsha Carlisle, and Virginia Carlisle; brothers in law James Beussink, Ralph Beussink, and Gary Geringer.

Joe’s legacy of love, laughter, generosity and faith will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Leopold, with Knights of Columbus rosary and prayers beginning at 4:00. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at St. John’s, followed by Rite of Burial in St. John’s Cemetery.

Donations may be made in memory of Joe to the Leopold School Foundation, St. Joseph Catholic School, Farmington, St. Augustine Catholic School, Kelso, or Guardian Angel Catholic School of Oran.

Arrangements under the care of Hutchings-Pendergrass Funeral Chapel in Marble Hill, MO.