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Jerry Garner
On Sept. 2, 2024, Jerry Wayne Garner left this world to join his wife Sue in heaven, where she has patiently waited since February 2023.
A dedicated family man, Jerry leaves behind three sons (Thomas [Janet], Todd, and Trevor [“Leena”]), seven grandchildren (Quinton [Paige], Ashley, Bailey, Lauren, Kendall, Edward and Kirsten [Chelsea]), and three great-grandchildren (Elijah, Kennedy, and Noah).
Born in Stoddard County, Missouri to Myrtle and Lester Thomas Garner, he had five sisters and two brothers, William, Fay, Jean, Shirley, Lestene, Howard and Mila Kay. William, Fay, and Shirley preceded him in death.
Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating from Dexter High School. After the navy, he worked for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, where he met his bride of almost 60 years. In St. Louis, he attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) and received his bachelor’s degree in one of UMSL first graduating classes.
Jerry retired in 2022 after decades as an accountant. Prior to being an independent tax preparer and representative, he had worked as a controller and financial officer at various companies throughout Arkansas, Texas and other states including Ben Pearson in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Jerry loved to travel, always driving if he could. The Navy sent him to Illinois, Oklahoma and California. His accounting work took him to Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Colorado, New Hampshire, back to Missouri (several times), Arkansas and Texas.
Jerry also loved his pets. Over their long marriage, Jerry and Sue had numerous dogs and cats. In his later years, he found great joy in sitting outside, smoking a cigarette, and throwing the ball to his dogs.
Services for Jerry will be held at Jadwin Cemetery in Jadwin, Missouri at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. As he did throughout his life, he let Sue choose their final home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to United Ability (https://www.unitedability.org/give/) “in honor of Jerry Garner.”