Edward "Eddie" F. Garner

For my father departed: “Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.” Edward Ferrell Garner, 65, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma went home to be with his Lord and Savior after succumbing to COVID-19 on December 24th, 2020. Eddie was born July 14th, 1955 in Anadarko, Oklahoma to Ferrell and Vivian Garner. The Garner family moved to Shawnee in 1956 where Eddie was raised and spent most of his life. He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1973 before attending college at East Central University where he graduated in 1982 with a degree in Business Management. Eddie moved back to his hometown and began his career at ExxonMobil Chemical in the Logistics department. He made his home in Shawnee and felt blessed to raise his own children there close to his tight-knit family. He was a proud father and was always present to support his children’s many endeavors, always by their side celebrating their achievements. He retired from ExxonMobil after 30 loyal years. In that time, Eddie made many life-long friends and loved his work family. Shortly after his retirement, he sought employment he would enjoy to occupy his time between his many passions, family time, and his church. Eddie loved meeting new people, hearing their stories, and learning about all walks of life, so he loved working at USA Park Airport Parking as a shuttle driver and would often speak of the interesting people he met along the way. He was an old soul, familiar and enduring. A five minute conversation with a complete stranger could leave one feeling like they’ve known Eddie Garner a lifetime. God gave him a radiant heart and in return, he used his time on earth to invest it in people. Eddie was a member of the Pleasant Grove School Board for many years. He was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge (Shawnee) where he spent much of his time sharpening his game. He was a faithful man of God and found his church home at Crossings Community Church (OKC). He made many special friends in his Checkpoint class and very much enjoyed his involvement in his church. Eddie was very active. He had some gnarly Mick Jagger dance moves and would often grab a partner for a night of two-steppin. His children’s discovery of a verse bookmarked and highlighted in his bible encompasses the values by which he lived, AND by which he died... “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” -Ecclesiastes 3:4 Aside from his passion for Golf, two-steppin, and his church family, he was the ultimate “Outdoor Man.” He loved fishing, camping, biking, and hiking. He enjoyed traveling with his family and close friends; his favorite traveling companions were his mother, sister, Dianna, and nephew, Jarrod. He dreamt of one day living off-grid in Branson, Missouri roughing it as a Mountain Man in the Ozark mountains. Eddie’s life did not pass unnoticed. He was the patriarch of his family, a loving son, a precious brother, a devoted father, the fun uncle, and a dear friend. Eddie was a family man and the greatest father to his two children whom he cherished. He was defined by his family, and his family was defined by him. He was the funniest, happiest, brightest soul. Eddie felt an incredible joy for life that would radiate and bring out the best in those around him. He was free with his love for others, and his acts of love were always intentional and purposeful. His silliness, his ornery nature, corny jokes, and motivation to find humor in any situation were among his most enduring qualities. The world was more colorful (and funny) with him in it. Those who knew him well appreciated his moral insight, strength of character, and his passion for living in the “now,” learning from the past, but always gazing in the direction of his future. We will always remember Eddie for his unwavering love for his family, his companionship, his love of music, his life-long love for learning new things, his silly selfies and “Chef Eddie” Facebook posts, his acceptance of everyone, and his refusal to judge or dismiss anyone, hearing him tell his funny stories, the jokes, his infectious fits of laughter, and how much he genuinely loved and enjoyed people. Eddie is preceded in death by his father, Ferrell Garner, his grandparents, and several aunts and uncles. Eddie is survived by his mother, Vivian Garner of Shawnee, OK, his daughter, Holly Kahle of Stonewall, OK, and son-in-law, Jay Kahle, his son Charles (Chip) Garner of Lake Stevens, WA, daughter-in-law, Robin Garner, and grandsons Presley Garner, and Liam Garner, his sister, Dianna Horath of Sapulpa, OK, his sister Teia Russell of Shawnee, OK, his sister, Marla Lewis and brother-in-law, Clayton Lewis, also of Shawnee, in addition to several nieces and nephews. The Garner family has chosen to delay Eddie’s homegoing service until early summer when family can be in attendance. “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; The rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand.”