Richard Ward Garner, age 82, of Sesser, Illinois, passed from this life June 2, 2017, at Mt. Vernon Health Care. He was born December 13, 1934, in Sesser to Tony and Justine (Warkalis) Garner.
Richard was a graduate of Goode Barren Township High School in Sesser and wen,t on to graduate in 1956 from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, Illinois and then completed his Master’s degree in Administration in 1958.
Richard married JoAnn Stubblefield, also of Sesser, on November 22, 1956and they had three children. Mr. Garner was a long time teacher, coach, and principal in Akin and Sesser. He was a member of the First Christian Church where he served as a deacon, elder, and board member as well as Sunday School teacher and song leader. He was active in the community as a member of the Sesser-Goode Masonic Lodge #744, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, precinct committeeman, and also coached his sons’ summer baseball teams for several years. However, the title he cherished most was “Grandpa”. During retirement, his greatest joy was to spend time with his family, especially traveling with his wife and grandsons.
Richard and his wife owned and operated Garner Insurance Agency for many years. Richard was an avid fisherman and hunter and loved the outdoors.
He is survived by his wife, JoAnn, and their three children: Kevin Garner and wife, Myjal, of Maryville, Illinois, Kara (Garner) Silge and husband, Karl, of Lindenhurst, Illinois, and Kendall Garner and wife, Claire, of Florissant, Missouri; and also by his five grandsons: Will Garner, Harry Garner, Andrew Silge, Richard P. Garner, and Robert J. Garner. Richard was preceded in death by his parents but is survived by his siblings: Judi (Garner) Bone and husband, Bob, of Florida and David Garner and wife, Mary, of Michigan.
Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home of Sesser will conduct the services. Visitation will be on Monday evening, June 5 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM with Masonic Rites performed at 7:00 PM. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, June 6 at 1:30 PM at the funeral home. Pastor John Plunkett and Pastor Daniel Ison will officiate. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
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