Bernard E. Carlile, 86, died December 21, 2012, in Wichita, Kansas.

He was born April 28, 1926, in Liberal, KS, to Jack and Myrtle Carlile.

He attended Liberal, KS public schools.

He enlisted U.S. Navy in 1943 at age of 17, serving as a Gunner’s Mate Second Class on the U.S.S. Tucson. In WWII, his ship was deployed in final strikes against Tokyo, Japan and earned one Battle Star. He also served on the U.S.S. Douglas H. Fox and was stationed at San Diego, CA. His honorable discharge was in 1946.

He married Betty (Seger) Hartnett in 1947.

He married Lonetta M. Reichenberger May 12, 1962, in Las Vegas, NV. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2012.

His surviving children are Diana L. Elliott and husband Rick, James A. Carlile and wife Theresa – all of Liberal, KS. His surviving step-children are Tommy Hartnett and wife Virginia of Houston, TX and Sandy (Hartnett) Dixon and husband Dale of Mustang, Oklahoma.

Surviving grandchildren are Christopher Ford and wife Marieka of Liberal, KS, Bret Ford, of Denver, CO, Preston Ford and wife Lacey of Topeka, KS, Kaitlin Carlile of Liberal, KS, Tracie Cross of Rock Springs, WY, Chad Osier of Cheyenne, WY, Ashley Osier of Great Bend, KS.

He has 6 surviving step-grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived by brother, Ronald "Buster" Carlile of Edmond, OK.

He was the owner of Carlile Water Well for 35 years and Carlile Asphalt for 25 years. He was a passionate Simmental cattle rancher, farmer, and conservationist. He enjoyed piloting his own plane for many years.

He was Past President KS Asphalt Pavers Assoc.; Past Secretary KS Water Well Assoc.; Southwest Medical Center (SWMC) Board Member 9 years; SWMC Chairman of the Board 3 years; Past President of SWMC Foundation 8 years; Member VFW Lane Day Post #3166 and American Legion Post #80.

He was predeceased by daughters Debra S. Osier (2011), Rhonda K. Carlile (1971); brothers William E. Carlile (2002), Donald V. Carlile (2010), Robert D. Carlile (2012), Jerry E. Carlile (1935) and parents Jack T. Carlile (1967) and Myrtle M. (Black) Carlile (1979).

o Honoring his wishes, private services will be scheduled.

Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association, Central and Western Kansas Office, 347 South Laura, Wichita, KS 67211.

Miller Mortuary is in charge of local arrangements.