John Carroll Garner, age 86, of St. Louis, Missouri passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023. He was born in Lexington, TN on October 15, 1936 to the late Otto and Ruby Belle Garner; He married his wife Ruby Jeanne Garner (nee Short) in March of 1955 and worked as a truck driver 34 years for Middle West Freightways and had two sons, Mike and Jeff. Over the years, he loved going to bluegrass festivals, meeting friends and making new ones.
He is survived by his wife Jeanne, daughter-in-law Debbie (Mike), son Jeff (wife Katie) and grandsons Tommy and Patrick Garner.
He was preceded in death by his siblings: William Garner (Harding), Troy Garner (Magdalene), Lloyd Garner (Raymel), Herbie Garner (Ann), Jo Rice (Don) and son John Michael Garner (Debbie).
He had a love of music and enjoyed playing banjo and guitar, performing many times with his son, Mike.
He was a member of Teamsters, Local 600. He was ordained a Deacon in the Baptist Church and served for decades at Mehlville and Heartland Baptist churches during which time he was in charge of the benevolent fund, where he served many needy members and visitors.
Always the frugal spender, he spent a lot of time working on his own cars over the years with his sons Mike and Jeff. He loved and could consume pints of homemade ice cream. He was selfless, benevolent, caring and happy. He is a great gift to us all and will be forever missed in the lives of family and friends. Love always to the Trunk Driving Man!
A visitation for John will be held Tuesday, September 19, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hoffmeister South County Chapel, 1515 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63125. Funeral service will be celebrated Wednesday, September 20, 2023,10:30 in the funeral home chapel. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery. Donations in memory of John C. Garner appreciated to American Diabetes Association ,
PO Box 7023 , Merrifield,VA 22116-7023
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HoffmeisterSouthCounty.com for the Garner family.
