Gary Wayne Garner, 78, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, in his home surrounded by family. He was born on December 2, 1943 in Wabash County, Illinois, the son of Robert and Doris (Hortin) Garner. Gary married his high school sweetheart, Lois Jean Cowling, on September 25, 1945, at Antioch church, and they enjoyed forty-eight years of marriage together before her passing in 2012. They were members of Heartland Worship Center in Mount Carmel, Illinois.
Gary worked at Speth Plumbing, Snap-On-Tools, and then Amax Coal Company for many years, where he was an underground foreman and went by the nickname “Scobey-Duck”. He later started the family lawnmower repair business, Garner’s Small Engines, and also raised New Zealand white rabbits. Gary enjoyed listening to country and gospel music. He loved being outdoors, hunting and fishing, especially at their river cabin where he would take his boat out and run lines.
Gary will be remembered by his three children, Sherry (Mark) Salaman of McMinnville, TN, Brad (Loraine) Garner of Mount Carmel, IL, and Cindy Frayser of Mount Carmel, IL; grandchildren, Matthew Baker, Stephen (Kristen) Salaman, Chelsea (Alex) Welcome, Ryan Salaman, Brianna (Andrew) Spencer, Logan (Emily) Garner, Brandon Reed and Chris Reed; fifteen great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry (Staretta) Garner of Albion, IL; sister in law, Joyce Garner of Bone Gap, IL; many loved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois; infant daughter, Christina; grandson, Richard L. Reed III; granddaughter, Brittany; and brother, David Garner.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at Heartland Worship Center, 212 W. 2nd Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Funeral Services will be 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at Heartland Worship Center with Pastor Tony Hodgson officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery where Gary will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s memory to Hope Pregnancy & Resource Center. Envelopes will be at the Church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Gary’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Garner family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
