Donald M. Carlyle, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away on August 7, 2013

Donald M. Carlyle, 74, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away on August 7, 2013. Born in Ferndale, Michigan to Marvin and Helen (Holmquist) Carlyle, Donald arrived on May 23, 1939 and was the oldest of four children.

Donald was retired from the United States Air Force where he earned the rank of Master Sergeant. He had a distinguished career in the Air Force and received many awards; including a Bronze Star Medal with V-Device and one Oak Leaf Cluster, an Air Medal with ten Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster, a Combat Readiness Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, an Air Force Good Conduct Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters. He was an Air Commando Combat Controller; a FFA certified Air Traffic Controller; he attended numerous Special Operations Schools, Parachute courses, Survival Training courses, and Instructor Training courses.

During his younger years, Donald was a member of the Masons (32nd Degree). In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and motorcycle riding. Donald married Carol on November 6, 1992. Together they shared a love for horses and Donald eventually went on to show their horses.

Donald is survived by his wife of 20 years, Carol; children, James Carlyle (Sabrina), Diana Carlyle (Ken Pedalino), Richard Carlyle (Melinda), and Cathryn Carlyle; siblings, Richard Carlyle (Glenna), Shirley Boss, and Gary Carlyle (Stella); 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Carlyle and Helen Carlyle and brother in law, Tom Boss.

A Memorial Service for Donald will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 10:00 am at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, 6747 East Broadway Road, Mesa, Arizona 85206. Inurnment with Military Honors will immediately follow. Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care.