Chief Apostle Carlton Naylor Bobo, Sr. March 29, 1961 – November 25, 2025 “Absent from the body, present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8

Chief Apostle Carlton Naylor Bobo, Sr., 64, transitioned from labor to reward on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, surrounded by love and the comforting presence of Yahweh (God) whom he faithfully served.

He was born on March 29, 1961, in Sikeston, Missouri, to Roy Bobo and Virgil Louise Bobo. Carlton was the second of four sons and was raised in a musically gifted, spiritually rooted home. His mother served as the Minister of Music at West End Baptist Church, where Carlton and his brothers were baptized.

Carlton graduated from Sikeston Senior High School in the Class of 1980. He was known by his peers as “Businessman Bobo”, a nickname given by his best friend Jimmy Wiggins, because he carried a briefcase to school instead of a backpack. In high school, he excelled in football and earned a black belt in karate under the instruction of his cousin, Woodrow Speed, Jr.

Though raised in church, Carlton’s true spiritual journey began after a life-changing encounter in which he heard the Holy Spirit say: “You don’t belong here. Get out.” That moment redirected his destiny.

He later joined Green Memorial Church of God in Christ, under Bishop Charles Green, Sr., who became his first spiritual father in the Gospel. Carlton grew rapidly in the Word and in ministry, studying at the church’s Bible school and preaching his early sermons in the bathroom mirror with zeal and passion.

He later served under Pastor Norris T. Pullins of Bell City Church of God in Christ, where he became an associate minister. Pastor Pullins greatly influenced his ministry, imparting wisdom, discipline, order, and integrity.

Carlton traveled the evangelistic field for nearly seven years with his cousin Pastor Ulyss Holmes, witnessing miracles, healings, and supernatural manifestations of angels across the country.

In 1993, his mother founded Light of the World Ministries, and in 1999, she established Light of the World Redeemed Bible College and Institute, appointing Carlton as Chancellor.

Carlton was ordained a Bishop in the mid-1990s under Bishop Rideout of the Church of God in Coriopolis, PA. He was first consecrated as an Apostle in the early 2000s, and later re-consecrated in 2016 by Chief Apostle McKinley August, Jr. of Cathedral of Praise Miracle Center, Beaumont, Texas.

On April 29, 2019, he met Caroline Denise Bobo, whom he married on October 25, 2019. Together, they merged their ministries and expanded into a global apostolic work reaching Kenya and Ghana through their overseers, Overseer Duncan O. Ombong’i and Overseer Prophet Robert Akabel.

Chief Apostle Bobo was a spiritual father to countless sons and daughters in the Gospel across the world. He cherished the ministers he mentored and the covenant brothers and sisters who walked beside him.

He was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan who boldly wore Steelers gear in the heart of Texas. He loved quartet music—especially The Canton Spirituals—and one of his favorite songs was “Something About the Name of Jesus” by Rance Allen.

HE LEAVES TO CHERISH HIS MEMORY:

 His loving wife: Caroline Denise Bobo, of Beaumont, Texas

 His children: Carlton “CJ” Naylor Bobo, Jr. (wife Corrie Lynn) of Sikeston, MO, Sierra Bobo, Sikeston, MO, Mekaela Rivera, Kansas City, MO, Kendra Bobo-Franklin, Kansas City, MO, Keeonna Bobo, Kansas City, MO.

His grandchildren: Tiana Bobo, Amelia Henry (Sikeston, MO), Kennedi Franklin, Corey Franklin (Kansas City, MO).

His brothers: Roderick Bobo, Beaumont, TX, Cedric Desmond Bobo (wife Yolimar), Kansas City, MO, Davin Sean Bobo, Glen Burnie, MD

Beloved aunts and uncles on his mother’s side: Virgil Dorch, Michael Dorch, Jerome Dorch, Renee Dorch, Debra Dorch

Covenant brothers and sisters, including: Apostle Dr. Joseph Akharume (Jackson, MS), Drs. Niles & Stephanie Smith (Pittsburgh, PA), Dr. Sharon Cooper (Lobeco, SC), Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Hadnot (Kansas City, MO), 

A multitude of spiritual sons and daughters, ministers, and churches across the United States, Kenya, and Ghana whom he loved deeply.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy Bobo and Virgil Louise Bobo, and his son-in-love, Daniel D. Rivera.

Chief Apostle Bobo completed his earthly assignment with excellence, honor, courage, and unwavering faith. He lived as a warrior, loved as a shepherd, and finished as a general of the Kingdom.

May he rest in power.