John Light

John F Light, Sr, 91, of Beaverton, Oregon, formerly of Alton, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 8:00 am, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on October 15, 1933, in Tallula, Illinois. He was the son of James Eck Light of Phelps County, Missouri & Nancy (Rose) Light of Duck Run, Ohio.

John was a devoted husband of 66 years, survived by his wife Carol (Crawford) Light of Alton, Illinois. They were married on May 24, 1958, in Alton, Illinois where they raised their large, loving family together.

In 1954, John served in the US Army during the Korean War. After leaving the army, John joined the Alton Police Department in 1956 and rose through the ranks to Chief of Police where he retired in 1986 after serving thirty years.

John also graduated from the FBI Academy in 1971 and earned his bachelor's degree in 1977 in Criminal Justice. He also earned his master's degree from Illinois State University. He continued a secondary law enforcement career as an instructor with Lewis & Clark Community College teaching law enforcement, police tactics and training. His love for instructing kept him busy for several years after his retirement from the Alton Police Department. He was a Police Training Specialist with the Southern Illinois Criminal Justice Training Program from 1975-2015, as a Master Pistol Instructor, teaching firearms, hazard materials and physical fitness. John continued a voluntary career as a mediator specialist in Beaverton, Oregon after full retirement.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Louis Light & Robert Light (Betty) and five sisters, Iva Bergfeld (Leo), Helen Lyons, Louise Light, Violet McCowan (Leo) & Mary Light. John's surviving children are John Light, Jr. (Myra), Lisa Rider (Eugene), Cole Light (Lisa), Lori Dunse (Robert), Ethan Light (Sandy), and James Cannon. Fourteen grandchildren, Jason, Nicole, Michael, Alexandria, Nicholas, Cole, Skyanne, Sean, Jacob, Angie, Alyssa, Travis, Sam, and Emily. Eleven great grandchildren, Braylon, Kiley, Aiden, Abel, Oliver, Sylas, Kyler, Kaden, & Chelsea. Two great great grandsons, Paxton & Remington.

John loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting, boating, hiking, and camping. He loved to share the outdoor life with his family and friends. He was a big advocate in teaching the importance of health and fitness to live a long and meaningful life and give back to the community.

Celebration of life will be held in Covina, California.