Rev. John Carlson was a familiar face and voice for many in the Galesburg area.
The pastor, educator, and broadcaster passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 74.
He had been the pastor of Bethany Baptist Church for the past 44 years, coming back to Galesburg after leading churches in Altona and Runnels, Iowa.
Carlson was a graduate of Galesburg High School and Bob Jones University where he graduated from the seminary.
WGIL listeners might know Carlson for his “Bethany Bible Thought” broadcasts over the last 38 years which most recently have aired on weekday mornings.
Carlson was the administrator of Bethany Christian Academy from its founding in 1975 until its closing in 1996.
He then had a number of years working as a substitute teacher in District 205 schools.
Rev. Carlson is survived by his wife of 52 years, Anita, three children, and a granddaughter.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 29, 2019, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel with funeral service at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2019, at the chapel.
