Wayne Carvell, 56, pastor of Church on a Hill in Mount Carroll, Illinois, was killed on July 10, 2010 when his motorcycle went off a curve and into a ravine, hitting a tree. He sustained multiple injuries, including a broken back, broken ribs, and punctured lungs. He leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Karen, who has been an active ministry associate with her husband, especially in children’s ministry.
The couple met while students at Judson College (Elgin, Illinois). A few years after marriage, Wayne joined the United States Air Force, serving during his career at various U.S. bases as well as in Okinawa and Germany. He volunteered to be sent to Operation Desert Storm (1991), where he served as liaison between the Saudis and the Chicago National Guard.
After retiring from military service, he sensed a call to full-time ministry. He earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies at North Central University in Minneapolis and was ordained. He pastored two Assemblies of God congregations (Cornell, Wisconsin; Savanna, Illinois) before starting the independent Church on a Hill. He and Karen have been affiliated with the Fellowship of Christian Assemblies (FCA) for several years.
Pastor Carvell authored two books plus a devotional e-book, was a gifted singer and guitarist, a licensed pilot, and earned a black belt in karate. His leisure activities were golf, bow hunting, carpentry, softball, and motorcycles. He was riding south of Galena, Illinois, alongside the Mississippi River when the accident occurred.
His funeral was held on July 15, 2010 at the Mount Carroll Church of God, Mount Carroll, Illinois. The FCA was represented by Pastor Paddy Palomaki of Ishpeming, Michigan, and others.
