John Garner
June 9, 1954 — June 14, 2016
John Garner, 62, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died June 14, 2016 at his home south of Gothenburg, NE.
He was born June 9, 1954 in North Platte, NE, son of Demar Wesley Garner and Ethel Faye (Timmons) Garner.
John grew up in the North Platte area and attended schools there, he attended Job Corp in Chadron and learned construction and masonry. He was a Golden Glove boxer and was a 3 year champion as a teenager. John was a dedicated over the road truck driver for over 45 years, he began his career at the age of 17, most recently driving for HAR Transportation, he was a very skilled truck driver and could back up a truck on a dime. In his free time John enjoyed spending time outdoors including fishing, camping, and tinkering around in the garage. John was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend.
John married Lora Lee Johnson on June 18, 1976 at North Platte in a union of nearly 40 years; four children were born - Leanne, J.D., Andrew and Ruby. The family resided in Gothenburg, making the community their home for 22 years.
Survivors include his wife, Lora Lee Garner of Gothenburg, son, Andrew Garner of Gothenburg, NE; two daughters, Ruby (Shane) Bappe of Cozad; Leanne (Chris)Garner-Twohig of Kansas; 10 grandchildren; three sisters, Orpha (Terry) Walker of Gothenburg, Johnette (Fredrick) Long of New Orleans, LA, Janie (Dale) Newtson of North Platte; two brothers, Don Garner and John Hanson both of North Platte; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Demar Garner and Ethel Hanson, and stepfather Gerald Hanson; his son John Demar (JD) Garner, granddaughter, Jonna Victoria Grace Garner, three sisters, Leona "Lee" Webster, Lavella Grace Pfeister, and Glendin Patrick.
Memorial Services will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 10:00 am with J.C. Calhoun officiating.
Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.