Kenneth "Big-D" Russell Carlile

Kenneth Russell Carlile, 87, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away surrounded by his loving family on August 22, 2023. 

Kenneth, who was affectionately known by many as "Big-D", was born on August 1,1936 in Jacksonville,Texas. He was the only child born to Russell and Alice Carlile and spent his youth living among the oil fields of Texas and Mississippi. After graduating high school, he continued his education at Mississippi State where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Engineering. In 1959, he joined the United States Air Force where he served as 1st Lieutenant. He was stationed in Columbus, Mississippi where he met the love of his life, Jean Walker. Big-D and Jeannie were married on December 23, 1961 and were blessed with two children. After his departure from the military in 1965, they moved to the Kansas City area where he began working at Ford Motor Company. There he worked as an engineer until he retired in 1994. In his spare time Big-D enjoyed playing tennis and golf. Being near the water was his happy place. He, his family and dear friends spent many years traveling to Palm Springs, CA and Gulf Shores, AL as well as to The Lake of the Ozarks where "Captain Carlile" was often found riding around in his boat, named My Joy, His Toy. Big-D's quick wit and southern charm made him a great friend to many. He was especially adored by his grandchildren, with whom he cherished spending time. 

He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 62 1/2 years, Jeannie; children, Jackie (Bill) Claussen and Scott (Sia) Carlile; grandchildren, Carly McFadden (Trey Robbins), Walker (Assenet) Claussen, Haley Claussen (Luke Monson), Zoie (Teddy) Jovaras, and Evan Carlile (Athena Patsalis); great grandson, Christos Jovaras; beloved pup, Miss Mollie; and numerous extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Church of the Redeemer on Saturday, August 26, with visitation at 10:00am, followed by the memorial service at 11:00am. Military honors will take place at The Church of the Redeemer's Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Church of the Redeemer's Memorial Garden Fund.