SGM (Ret) Joe Richard Garner

SGM (Ret) Joe Richard Garner, son of the late Orlan and Susie (Wells) Garner, was born May 6, 1934 in Sherwood, Tennessee. Joe grew up in Chattanooga and entered the United States Army at the age of 17. Joe proudly served his country for 27 years of which 21 of those years was spent as a green beret. For his faithful service, Joe earned several awards and commendations and retired as a Sergeant Major on June 30, 1978. On October 22, 1957, Joe was united in marriage to Kathleen Williams in Waynesville, Missouri. They shared over 56 years of marriage together and were blessed with two children: Valerie and Joe, Jr. After retiring from the military, Joe spent 11 years working for Howards Construction helping to build bridges. In his spare time, Joe loved hunting and fishing and in his younger years, he loved to skydive. Joe used to say he just loved being alive and enjoyed everything, including hard work. For many years, Joe enjoyed bass fishing tournaments and he liked to win. While in the Army, he liked sport parachute competitions. He also enjoyed handball, football and baseball. Joe passed away Thursday, December 5, 2013 in his home in his beloved Colley Holler surrounded by his family. He had attained the age of 79 years. He will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him. Joe leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Kathleen Garner of Waynesville, MO; two children: Valerie and Joe R. Garner, both of Waynesville, MO; one grandson: Jamie Lee Garner and wife Angie of Waynesville, MO; three great grandchildren: Jeremiah, Nevaeh and Riley Garner; six siblings: Lewis Garner of St. Louis, MO, Sally Peters and husband Carlos of Chattanooga, TN, Roger Garner of Chattanooga, TN, Jerry Garner of St. Simmons Island, GA, Larry Garner of Chattanooga, TN and Alan Garner of Atlanta, GA; special uncle: Ken Garner of Chattanooga, TN; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 9, 2013 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Rev. Christopher Hendrix officiating. Soloist Gilbert Crismon provided the music. Serving as escorts were will Miller, Eddie Miller, Tony Dean Crismon, Jacob Kelley, Arron Browner and Jordan Kelley. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

SGM (Ret) Joe Richard Garner

May 6, 1934 - December 5, 2013