Bryden Carnahan

1944 - 2026

Bryden Carnahan

Oct 4, 1944 - Feb 25, 2026

DECATUR, IL – Bryden Keith Carnahan, 81, was born October 4, 1944, in Decatur, Ill., to Charles Carrolton Carnahan and Elizabeth Jane Spires Carnahan, and passed away at 1:27 a.m. on February 25, 2026, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn Sue (Brake) Carnahan; his daughter, Jennifer Lyn Carnahan Weidling (Kris) of Frederick, Md.; his son, Jonathan Bryden Carnahan of Decatur; and his granddaughters, Madison Elizabeth Weidling and Brooklyn Carnahan Weidling. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Malcolm Rosswell Carnahan and Charles Carrolton Carnahan, Jr.; he remained close to their families.

Bryden was raised in Decatur with his brothers and their uncle, Rex Spires, in a home guided by their mother, Elizabeth, and his grandmother, Ethel Spires. Their family loved playing cards, board games, and sharing laughter together. He enjoyed playing and watching sports as a Cubs, Bears, and Illini fan.

He attended MacArthur High School, where he served as Class President for two years and graduated in 1962, while making lifelong friends.

He served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1968 in Army Intelligence before attending Millikin University, where he graduated in 1971 with a double major in Religion and Political Science.

On April 2, 1967, he married Carolyn Sue Brake at First Christian Church in Decatur. Their daughter, Jennifer, was born in 1972, followed by their son, Jonathan, in 1980.

Bryden remained involved with Millikin University throughout his life. He received the Alumni Merit-Loyalty Award in 1995, served on the Board of Trustees and numerous committees, including the Alumni Board, the Parents Association (as president), and the ATV-1 Steering Committee as Chair of the Scholarship Division.

A lifelong member of First Christian Church in Decatur, Bryden was baptized there and remained active throughout his life. He served as an Elder, Chairman of the Board, and Chairman of three major building projects, played on the church softball team, and sang in the choir for twenty-five years. He was also instrumental in the development of the Disciple Renewal & Disciple Heritage Fellowship movement, which has grown into a national fellowship with over 160 congregations. Over the years, he built many enduring relationships within the church community.

In 1980, Bryden purchased six Seno Formalwear locations and expanded the business to sixteen locations across Illinois. He also owned and operated five bridal shops known as Bridal Suite. He served as President and Owner of SFW, Inc. from 1980 until the company closed in 2020. During that time, he worked alongside his wife and daughter and later with his son in the company's office. He also served on the Board of Directors of the International Formalwear Association and received its Annual Award for Lifetime Contribution to the Formalwear Industry in 2010.

Beyond his business, he was a member of the Decatur Rotary Club and participated in various local investment and advisory groups. He also served for 11 years on the Board of Directors of Decatur Memorial Hospital, including a term as Board Chairman.

Bryden will be remembered for his integrity, consistency, and commitment to his faith, family, profession, and community.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, at First Christian Church at 3350 N. MacArthur Road in Decatur, Ill., from 9 to 11 a.m., with a Memorial Service immediately following. Tanzyus Logan Funeral Service and Care is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider offering memorials to First Christian Church.

Please sign the family guestbook at www.tanzyusloganmemorialpages.com.