Elmer Russell Garmer

Russell grew up in Quincy where he graduated high school. After graduation when he turned 18 he enlisted into the US Army Air Force. He completed his 27 SORTI missions and was convinced by a friend to do just one more. During his last flight he plane was shot down and during his escape by parachute he was shot and landed behind enemy lines. Russell was captured by the French Underground and transported to England. He was held for several weeks before finally making it home.

As a young man he enjoyed racing cars and boats. Russell started his career in photography as a studio photographer. He met a beautiful woman named Joyce at a dance and they were married March 8, 1964. He worked his way through many different styles of photography before opening his own business, Razorback Photo, with Joyce.

After he retired he enjoyed playing Santa and dressing up as a clown for family and children. He would often dress up for the children at Children’s Colony in Arkansas where his wife worked at the time. Russell also enjoyed making candy. He would go to different orchards and pick up pecans to make pralines, turtles and peanut brittle then deliver them to different wards at hospitals, nursing homes, co-workers family and friends.

Russell was a disabled veteran who was proud of his service to our country. He was a kind, sweet and thoughtful man who never wanted to be a problem. He adapted the nickname of Mr. Fix-It and loved holidays. While living in Little Rock he won a Christmas decorating contest. Russell was a member of the VFW and Veterans American Legion. An excellent photographer, he loved to take care of people and make children smile. His best friend was his dog, Zoey who slept with him and was always there to play in the evenings.

Russell is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Garmer, parents: Henry B. Garmer, Pearl O. Dismore Garmer and brother Donald Garmer.

He is survived by his sons Dr. Joe Garmer and his girlfriend Suzie Tran, Stacie Garmer and family; daughter Vicki Christian; grandchildren: Paul Garmer and wife, Stephanie, Sean Garmer, Stephanie Garmer; great-granddaughter Kaylee Garmer; siblings: Walter Garmer, Robert Garmer, Ruth Garmer Brumby and husband, Robert; best friend (dog) Zoey and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.