Richard Carlisle

Dennis “Richard” Carlisle, age 78, joined his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Richard was born on March 30, 1947, in Memphis, TN to Leslie and Louise Carlisle.

Richard was a beloved husband, father, granddaddy, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his precious wife of 60 years, Linda Lowrie Carlisle; his children: Rena Alber, Sandra Carlisle, Vicki Yutterman (Kevin), and Rick Carlisle (Heidi); eleven grandchildren: Heather Alber, Chris Alber, Nick Alber, Taylor Chase (Preston), Jessica Yutterman, Laykan Rutherford, Brandon Yutterman, Kent Carlisle, Ruby Carlisle, Londyn Carlisle, and Lydia Carter. He was also the proud great-granddaddy to five great-grandsons—Harmon and Hutton Chase, Rayce and Charlie Rutherford, and Carson Korkames—and one sweet great-granddaughter on the way, Heidi Mae Chase, expected in November 2025.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Leslie and Louise Carlisle; his sister, Sylvia Furr; brothers, Edward, Marvin, and Russell Carlisle; and granddaughters, Katie and Christa Smith.

Richard was the definition of a family man. He loved spending his time hunting, watching the Razorbacks, listening to music, attending his grandchildren’s events, going on boat rides, and playing guitar.

In 1977, Richard and his business partner started Northwest Fire Protection, Inc. In April 1978, he moved his family from Monroe, Louisiana to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where they have lived ever since. Richard led his company with integrity, humility, and honesty. He was a fair businessman and treated his employees like family. Many of them worked with him for 20, 30, even 40 years.

He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge in Coldwater, Mississippi for over 40 years and also served on the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair Committee, helping bring great entertainment to the area during the 1990s and 2000s. He served on the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board for many years. He enjoyed his time with his Jack Patch crew as well as the Dirty Dozen.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9th at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, AR.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday morning at Rye Hill Baptist Church, 11501 US-71 South, Fort Smith, AR 72916.

Pallbearers will be Nick Alber, Brandon Yutterman, Kent Carlisle, Chris Alber, Alan Carlisle, Tony Lowrie, JB Lowrie, Kevin Carlisle, Ron Williams and Benjie Lowrie.

Honorary pallbearers will be the dedicated employees of Northwest Fire Protection, Inc.

We love flowers and plants but if you would like to make a donation in Richard’s name, the family asks that contributions be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Fort Smith, 4905 North O Street, Fort Smith, AR 72904.