M. Loren Carlisle
Visitation: Private visitation and burial to take place at Lakeside Cemetery.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Firm Foundation Ministries in Centreville, MI.
Loren Carlisle, 74, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, February 3, 2022. He was a beloved husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, friend, a respected businessman, and a steadfast believer in his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Beloved son of Dorothy (Fimple) Carlisle and Marion J. Carlisle, Loren was a lifetime resident of Colon, MI. He grew up on his family’s centennial farm and attended Colon High School. Loren excelled as an offensive and defensive Guard for the football team and was an accomplished cornet player in the Colon High School Band. He graduated from Greenville College, Greenville, IL, in 1970 with a degree in social work. He then attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY from 1970-1971. He served in the Michigan National Guard for seven years. Loren was a farmer at heart but was employed by MI Farm Bureau Services in Mendon, MI and later by Michigan Farm Bureau Insurance where he served as the Three Rivers agent for over 35 years. Throughout his career as a trusted insurance advisor, Loren had a passion for serving his customers. In his role with Farm Bureau, he provided insurance for this life and through the love and grace of Jesus, he offered assurances for the next life for anyone open to the Gospel message.
Loren married Gwen (Barrett) Carlisle of Cambridge, NE on December 27, 1969. They welcomed twin daughters, Vanessa Ruth (Carlisle) West and Vonda Lynell (Carlisle) Bryce in March 1974. Their family was completed with the birth of Elizabeth Dorothea (Carlisle) Hooley in May 1984.
Loren is survived by his loving wife, devoted daughters; Vanessa West (Michael), Vonda Bryce (Eric), Elizabeth Hooley (Dan) and seven grandchildren: Mikaela Ruth, Savoie Rose, Ethan Loren, Lola Lynell, Emmelene Barrett, Truman Bruce and Lyle Levi. He is also survived by his sister, Martha Jane (Carlisle) (Rice) Barton and niece, Ruth (Rice) Anderson (Philip Anderson; children Hannah and Abigail) and nephew, James Rice (Carole). He has one cousin, Carol Jean (Levins) Malovey and her husband Edward Malovey.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother-in-law, Jack Barton and three grandchildren born into heaven.
It is a comfort to the family that Loren passed away at his farm; his love for his family farm was only surpassed by his love for his family.
A private interment will take place at the Colon Lakeside Cemetery on Thursday, February 10th for immediate family. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 12th at 1:00 PM at Firm Foundation Ministries, 651 E Main St, Centreville, MI. Following the service at 3:00, the family welcomes friends and family to come for food, fellowship, and informal remembrance of Loren.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to The Gideons International for Bible donations or the Colon Historical Society. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at Schipperfuneralhome.com.
February 7, 2022 @ 1:34 pm
So very sorry for your loss. He was a great man. I learned a great deal from him, and not just in regards to insurance, but life, family, integrity, and our Lord. May he rest in peace.
February 7, 2022 @ 2:03 pm
My sincere condolences to the Carlisle family. Loren was one of my favorite customers taking care of his Green equipment. Conversations with him always resulted in praise from him in one way or another on a job well done. I will always remember his calming voice. He will truly be missed in the community
February 8, 2022 @ 2:10 pm
What a beautiful smile and a beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you Gwen and family.
February 7, 2022 @ 2:50 pm
I was so honored to know such a kind man of God. What a delight to see Gwen and him in December.
The angels are rejoicing to welcome this precious Soul to his enteral Home.
To the family I lift them up in prayer….losing the backbone of the family is so hard. This is just a temporary goodbye….JOY comes in the morning, what a reunion that will be.
February 7, 2022 @ 3:17 pm
What a great influence Loren was on my insurance career. His gentle spirit and firm commitment to doing
what’s right gave me good footing and encouragement to last these 37-plus years. It was never a secret that he loved Christ and was led, in all things, by his devotion to the faith. To the family–May God make you aware of His hand as it holds yours and may the void Loren leaves be filled with our desire to serve as he did.
February 7, 2022 @ 3:50 pm
Loren was an outstanding individual. I was lucky to call him a mentor and even luckier to call him a friend and brother in Christ. I witnessed his generosity and wisdom and love of family first hand. Without a doubt he was greeted in heaven with, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of our master.” Our God knows pain, and knows how to comfort the mourning. I know he will be with Gwen, their kids and grandkids and comfort them through this transition form one life to the next. I pray peace and comfort to you all.
February 7, 2022 @ 4:41 pm
Loren was a Good & Faithful man. Rest in Peace Loren. My deepest condolences to the extended Carlisle Family.
February 7, 2022 @ 6:04 pm
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”
Thank you for allowing me the honor and the privilege of officiating at Loren’s committal service. He was a sincere man of God.
February 7, 2022 @ 6:58 pm
Loren and I went to high school together. He was a kind and gentle man. I am so sorry for your loss, but be comforted in knowing he is with his Saviour.
February 8, 2022 @ 12:23 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Loren meant so much to us and to my mom when she was alive. We know he is rejoicing in heaven. We would love to be there with you, but we are ministering in Africa. May you feel God’s loving arms around all of you. May He grant you Hus peace and Comfort. We love you all. Many prayers. Martha and Karl
February 8, 2022 @ 1:34 pm
Loren was such a faithful witness of his Christian beliefs. He also lifted up and encouraged everyone around him, and I am so thankful for that in my life. We will miss him incredibly. My deepest condolences to Loren’s family.
February 8, 2022 @ 8:39 pm
Loren and I became friends immediately when I first met him in the early 1980’s. His Family meant so much to me. Gwen and the Girls have always had a special place in my Heart. Loren will truly be missed. My condolences to the family.
February 8, 2022 @ 7:19 pm
My condolences to the Carlisle family! May you find peace through His Holy Spirit to comfort you with wonderful and happy memories. I went to school in Colon – a grade behind – with Loren and we use to ride the same bus growing up. We were farmers as well. He certainly reached out to many lives and will surely be missed. May your hearts feel the tenderness of God! Rebecca (Bryan) Myers
February 8, 2022 @ 9:21 pm
Gwen and Family
Lynne and I are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember Loren’s warm smile, his welcoming friendship and the many wonderful times we all shared together. Lynne has always been proud to call Loren her (Carlisle) cousin. We will all miss him.
February 9, 2022 @ 8:42 am
I love the photo of Loren used on this page. It’s exactly how I want to remember him here on earth.
A kind and gentle soul that was a follower of Jesus Christ.
We grieve with the family, but know he is in a better place!
February 9, 2022 @ 12:40 pm
Loren and your mom where two of the most influential people in Art and my life. Their example of being Christian was awe- inspiring and God directed for us. Their love and guidance for Art and I over many years will be one of many crowns your farther as well as your mom will lay at the feet of Jesus. Your Dads’ wisdom will live on through your lives as well as generations to come. You were blessed. Sincere love in Christ Nancy Charlier.
February 9, 2022 @ 6:14 pm
Loren was one of those rare people that left an indelible mark on those he came to know. Bob and I felt blessed to earn his friendship (and yours too, Gwen!). His kindness, deep faith and constant uplifting were true gifts. I have thought about the two of you so often over the years and with such affection and happy memories. May God grant you peace in your grief and confidence that you will all be reunited with Him one day.
February 10, 2022 @ 7:12 am
Dear Gwen & Family,
I was so heartbroken for you all when I heard of Loren’s passing. He was one of the nicest, sincerest people I ever knew from Crossroads. My memories of him taking me under his wing as his “trumpet buddy” will always stay with me. I can’t fathom your pain, but I know you are thankful for the memories with him and are seeking comfort that he is now in Heaven. Love to you all.
February 10, 2022 @ 7:18 am
I was so heartbroken for you all to hear of Loren’s passing. He was one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. I will always remember how he took me under his wing at Crossroads as his little “trumpet buddy.” How lucky you are to have had so many years and memories with such a wonderful human being. However, I can’t imagine your pain right now. Hold onto all of those special memories and the promise that you will see him again soon. Love to you all, Gwen, girls & family.
February 10, 2022 @ 11:41 am
My condolences to Loren’s family and friends. He was a classmate of my sister’s at Colon High School and is fondly remembered from school days and from the church we attended in Colon.
February 11, 2022 @ 9:12 am
My sympathy and prayers to Loren’s family.
February 11, 2022 @ 10:03 am
There are few words to describe what an amazing man he was and the mark he left on so many people. Kind, courteous, generous, thoughtful…..an easy man to befriend. He has been so supportive of the Hubbard family and our farm over the years. Every milestone, whether a graduation, birthday, or a good crop was celebrated by him with sending a note, a card, a phone call, or even best: just showing up with that beaming smile and gracious handshake to spend a few minutes visiting with Mom or Dad, and in the later years, one of us daughters. We were grateful for the phone message we got after this past Thanksgiving thanking us for the pies our bakery made that they enjoyed! That’s just how he was, taking the time to acknowledge and be thankful for what came his way in life. He will be missed, condolences to the family.
Beth Hubbard, on behalf of the Hubbard family at Corey Lake Orchards
February 11, 2022 @ 12:15 pm
My condolences to your family.
February 11, 2022 @ 2:43 pm
Gwen and family~
Loren was a wonderful person I had the opportunity and pleasure of working for and with at Farm Bureau Insurance. He was always so kind and caring and truly a saint. I’m so sorry for your loss and David and I will hold you in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you.
February 11, 2022 @ 8:10 pm
I’m heartbroken to hear of Mr. Carlisle’s passing. He was such a kind soul and was so very kind to me. I can still remember him taking my brother and me across the street for a cookie or ice cream most every time we saw him. He was always happy to see us and we always felt so welcome when we came to visit him at work. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and every life he touched.
February 12, 2022 @ 10:12 am
Our condolences to Loren’s family and friends. May all the beautiful memories you shared with him comfort you in this difficult time.
February 12, 2022 @ 11:25 am
I’m sorry not to be able to attend in person, my heart, thoughts, and prayers have been with you all Gwen, Vanessa, Vonda, Libby, Martha, Ruth, and the whole Carlisle family and community. I will miss Loren, his gentleness, warm, happy smile, and positive sense of humor. Thinking of you all today, cherish our times together. I know Loren is in a good place, love to you all.
February 13, 2022 @ 12:01 pm
May the Lord give you the PEACE and COMFORT only He can give to His children at a time like this; ever aspect of yesterday’s memorial service was a wonderful testimony to Mr. Carlisle’s Christ-honoring legacy. God bless you.
August 5, 2022 @ 2:45 pm
My deepest sympathies to the Carlisle family. I grew up in Colon and I remember riding the bus with his sister, Martha. Years later, Loren was my insurance advisor for many years. God Bless