Obituary of Carl Wyatt Swearson

Carl Swearson, born on July 28, 1951, in Rugby, North Dakota, to William and Agnes Swearson, began life with a frail body but a resilient spirit. At birth, he was not expected to live past the age of two, suffering from a weak heart and other ailments. Yet, through his mother’s unwavering care and faith, Carl defied the odds and grew stronger—a testament to the enduring power of love and the triumph of the spirit over adversity.

Raised on a family farm as one of thirteen children, Carl’s early years were shaped by the rhythms of rural life, fostering humility, resilience, and a quiet strength. While earning a degree in Agriculture with a minor in Military Science at North Dakota State University, Carl appeared to be walking a path of earthly responsibility. Yet within him stirred a deeper yearning—a call to serve a purpose far greater than himself.

In 1973, this inner calling found clarity during Carl’s time at the Officer Basic Course at Ft. Sill, OK. There, he encountered the teachings of the Unification Church, which illuminated the divine truths that had long guided his heart. Moved by this awakening, Carl joined the church the following year and served as a captain for the Mobile Fundraiser Team in the Midwest. This was not merely a career shift but a profound realization of his spiritual mission—a commitment to embody divine love and wisdom.

In 1978, Carl enrolled at the Unification Theological Seminary, where he prepared for ministry and leadership. After completing his studies in 1981, he became South Carolina’s State Leader for the Unification Church, dedicating himself to counseling, pastoring, and building communities. His life took a joyful turn in 1982 when he married Georgianna Lea Dunlap at Madison Square Garden in a ceremony officiated by Reverend Sun Myung Moon. Together, they moved to Missouri, where Carl served as State Church Leader, continuing his mission to uplift and inspire those around him.

For decades, Carl’s ministry shone brightly, touching lives across Missouri, Minnesota, and beyond. From guiding youth in the Pure Love Alliance to fostering unity through the American Freedom Coalition, his work reflected an unwavering commitment to service. In 2001, Carl co-chaired the St. Louis “We Will Stand in Oneness” tour, collaborating with his dear friend Leonard Wrice to welcome Reverend and Mrs. Moon in blessing the city. His dedication was recognized in 2005 when he received an Honorary Doctorate in Ministry from St. Michael’s Institute.

From 2006 to 2013, Carl served as District Director for the Midwest, bridging divides across a dispersed region and fostering greater unity. Throughout his ministry, his efforts were not for personal gain but for the glory of the eternal, a reflection of his deep resolve to live as an instrument of divine will.

In his later years, Carl embraced the quiet joys of family life in Iowa, remaining steadfast in his spiritual mission while cherishing time with those he loved most. On November 16, 2024, Reverend Carl Swearson departed this earthly life, his spirit ascending to the eternal realm where his works endure as treasures in the Kingdom of Heaven.

From his frail beginnings to his enduring legacy, Carl’s life was a testimony to the strength of faith and the unyielding pursuit of divine purpose. His memory inspires us to see that the greatest strength often arises from the humblest of origins. Contributions in his honor may be made to the “Reverend Carl Swearson Memorial Fund” on https://www.givesendgo.com/carlswearson ensuring that his spirit of love and service continues to uplift and inspire.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City with burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery also in Iowa City.  Visitation will be from 11am until service time.  Carl's funeral service will be livestreamed at the following link, or on the livestream page off of his obituary page: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/carl-swearson-livestream