Carl James Bland, 82, of Galesburg, died peacefully at home November 22, 2022 at 8:45 a.m.
Carl was born January 12, 1940 in Toulon, Illinois the son of Owen B. and Goldie L. (Sapp) Bland. He graduated from Toulon High School and attended Bradley University. Carl married Janet Kay Winslow on November 23, 1958 in Elmyra, Illinois. He joined the US Air Force on January 14, 1959 and was honorably discharged on September 21, 1962.
Carl is survived by his wife Janet of Galesburg; three daughters, Cindy (Randy) Marquith of Knoxville, Illinois, Christine Ross of Galesburg, and Julie (the late, James) Griffin of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His beloved six grandchildren, Joshua (Kristin) Bland, Lindsay (Ted) Edwards, Matthew Young, Zachary (Lexy Wells) Marquith, Natalie Ross, and Aliana Bland; and his four great grandchildren, Makailee Brown, Macey Bland, Mavery Bland, and Major Bland; as well as his beloved four-legged companion, Benji. Carl was preceded in death by one son, Major Jeffrey Bland, USMC, on September 19, 2011; his parents; and one brother.
Carl worked in sales his entire career also working for a time when he was younger farming. Carl retired after a long career as the Advertising Sales Manager for a phone company. After retiring Carl fulfilled one of his dreams, riding his motorcycle through the southwest ending up in California. On his trip home he traveled the northern route. Carl was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg where he had served as an elder and deacon. He enjoyed coaching youth sports when his son, Jeff was growing up. Carl was also a life member and Past Master of Rio Lodge A.F.&A.M. #685. He was a past member of the Galesburg Jaycees and earned his private pilot’s license. Carl enjoyed spending many hours fishing, but his family was most important. He enjoyed attending his children’s, later his grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s events.
Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Kay Daniel officiating. Cremation will follow services. Private family burial with military rites will be at a later date at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made in Carl’s memory to First Presbyterian Church or the Galesburg Public Library Foundation. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
