Bob Carnahan

Bob Carnahan, a husband, father, uncle, grandfather, educator, pilot, businessman and Christian leader, died March 21, 2008.

He was born July 27, 1934, to Glenn P. and June (Shirkey) Carnahan at Valley Center, Kan., and grew up in the small-town Kansas atmosphere, highly active and cherishing a dream of one day seeing Alaska. He graduated from Valley Center High School and earned his graduate degree at Arizona State University.

Carnahan served as an MP and chauffeur to a colonel in the U.S. Army. During his service career, he met Joanne Wilson, his beloved wife and great love of 49 years. To their union were born daughter Jonda and son Guy. In 1967, his Alaska dream was fulfilled when the family moved to teach school in the Alaskan bush. Over the years, Carnahan taught all ages from youth to adult, with a particularly interesting assignment with the Space Foundation.

Throughout his life in Kansas, Alaska, Colorado or on many world-wide travels, he served Christ his Savior with love and fervent dedication, ministering the gospel and leading others to Christ.

Carnahan was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn P. and June Carnahan, and brothers-in-law Fred T. Miller and Travis Goolsby. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; daughter, Jonda Lutz of Palmer; son, Guy (Cindy) of Anchorage; granddaughters, Jacqueline and Elizabeth Lutz of Palmer and Katie Carnahan of Anchorage; and sisters, Glenna Miller of Valley Center, Kan., and Patricia Goolsby of Wichita, Kan. He is also survived by uncounted numbers of family, loved ones and friends, all of whom are deeply grateful for the experience of his loving presence for a lifetime, a day or even an hour.

Carnihans’ memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. March 29, at Gospel Outreach Christian Center, Mile 6 Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Wasilla. A memorial has been established with the church in lieu of flowers.

Valley Funeral Homes and Crematory of Palmer and Wasilla assisted the family.