Rev. Roland Eugene "Gene" Carriker

Roland Eugene Carriker, 92, passed away April 23, 2019 at Good Samaritan in Beatrice. He was born March 18, 1927 to Virgil Edwin and Ruby Gertrude (Kaschmieder) Carriker in Bucklin, Linn County, MO.
In July 1944 he entered the U.S. Navy and attained GMM3rd Class and took part in the invasion of Okinawa aboard LST 879. In 1947 he was hired by CB&Q RR at Brookfield, MO (later Burlington Northern) and in 1949 he transferred to the Keokuk Union Depot Company where he became the youngest Superintendent in the history of the KUD.
On September 14, 1952, he married Nola M. Chrisman and to this union was born Rev. Kyle Edwin.
While Roland was in Keokuk, he organized Outpost #2 of the Royal Rangers, (Later #1 as oldest continually re-chartered outpost in Iowa) taught Sunday School class, was Church Treasurer for many years, was on the board of Trustees, played in the church orchestra, sang solos and assisted the building of the Assemblies of God Church at 20th & Main St., in Keokuk.
During his employment with the Railroad, he worked at Carthage, IL as Freight Agent, then as a Retarder Operator at Galesburg, IL, as Telegrapher/Clerk at Ft. Madison, IA and in 1972 became Freight Agent/Amtrak ticket agent at Mt. Pleasant, IA.
During his time at Mt. Pleasant he assisted his Pastor as a Bible Teacher at the Medium Security Prison for about 10 years. Three times he received awards from Gov. Brandstad for his work as a volunteer. According to their records one year he averaged 33 hours a week in the prison as a volunteer.
During this time he made application for Christian Workers Papers with the Assemblies of God, two years later became a Licensed Minister and 2 years later was ordained by the District Council of the Assemblies of God in Iowa at age 60.
He and Nola joined the Mission America Placement Service RV Volunteers of the Assemblies of God and worked on one project in Texas prior to Nola’s death. Later “Gene” went on to work at about 30 projects in the USA and one trip to Japan to help build the International Christian Church at Oacha, near Kobe.
On May 9, 1999 he married Ina F. Hill of Fairbury, NE. They worked with MAPS RV Volunteers also and Ina served as State Chaplain for Family Campers and RV’ers for over 30 years.
Those left to mourn the passing of “Gene” are his wife Ina of Fairbury, son Kyle & wife Becky Carriker & grandson Michael & Jennifer Carriker of Hedrick, IA & great-grandchildren Isaac & Ash Carriker, 2 brothers Don of MO, Ray of CO and sister Garnet Hayes of IA. Ina’s family Charles & Joy Hill, Paul & Geri Pendergast & Charles, Teresa & Gary Odenbaugh, Deidra & James Banahan, Kamden & McKenzie, Dale & Rosena Hill, Joshua & Robin Yankus, Aurora & Dominic, Curtis & Cindy Hill & Samuel, Stephanie & Mike Buckner & family, T.J. Hill & Sonni, Dayton & Diekin and one nephew Gerald Erikson of Alaska.
Those preceding him in death were his parents, brother DeWain Carriker, sister Beverly Bruntz and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the Assembly of God church in Jansen, NE with Pastor Dale Hill officiating. Memorials will go to the Family’s Choice. Burial will be at a later date. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury is in charge of arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com