Ernest W. ""Ernie"" Garner's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Ernest Wright Garner, age 84 of Charleston, went to be with the Lord while in the comforting presence of his loving family on Friday, November 30, 2012 at his Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center home. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 2, 2012 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Masonic Services conducted by members and guests of Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M. will conclude the visitation at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 3, 2012 at the funeral chapel with Pastor Tom Skinner and Reverend Roy Lineberry officiating. Interment, with Military Rites conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston. It is requested that memorial gifts in his honor be made to the Providence Separate Baptist Church or to the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. Ernie was born on July 9, 1928 in Danville, Illinois and was a son of the late Fred C. and Martha (Wright) Garner. He married Iola Braden on November 1, 1951 and they have enjoyed these past sixty-one years as husband and wife, best friends and business partners. In addition to his loving and devoted wife Iola, Ernie is survived by three children, Carol Walters and husband Mike of Charleston, Ernie E. Garner and wife Julie of Loranger, Louisiana and Mark A. Garner of Charleston; eighteen grandchildren, Emily Walters, Chris Walters and wife Tara and Taleesha Garner all of Mattoon, Anitra Rentfro and Tenille Rentfro both of Windsor, Illinois, Tahnee Rentfro of Altamont, Illinois, Jason Rentfro and wife Tena of Mode, Illinois, Michael Rentfro and wife Jessica of Terre Haute, Indiana, Tim Rentfro of Effingham, Illinois, Ernest J. Garner and wife Layne of Fairmount, North Dakota, Lacey Marise and husband Aaron and Matthew Garner and wife Sarah, all of Cordova, Tennessee, Nathan Garner of Holly Springs, Mississippi, Hannah Garner, Rebecca Garner and Jessica Garner, all of Loranger, and Brad Warner and Ashley Warner, both of Charleston; and forty great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two daughters, Nancy Warner and Kathy Rentfro; two granddaughters, Amanda Sanders and Leslie Ann Warner, and two brothers, Charlie Garner and Fred Garner. Ernie was a United States Navy Veteran and honorably served his country during World War II. He was a life-long electrician and worked at Eastern Illinois University before retiring in the mid 1990's. Prior to his employment with E.I.U. Ernie owned and operated Ernie's Electric from 1952 - 1974 and he and Iola owned and operated A-1 Mechanical located in Mattoon. He was a member of IBEW, Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M., the Ansar Temple Shrine in Springfield, Valley of Danville Scottish Rite, a life member of both the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and the Mattoon American Legion Post 88, and a long-time member of the Providence Separate Baptist Church. Ernie was a man of faith, family and friendship. His faith laid the foundation for the manner in which he lived his life - he was a man of integrity and honesty. His family was always a priority - he worked hard in order to provide for them in addition to being a good role model for his children. He treasured his role as a grandfather and enjoyed spending quality time with his grandchildren. He had a light hearted sense of humor and would often offer a joke or relay a humorous story - he enjoyed making friends and family smile. Ernie liked antique cars and always had to have a tractor (or two). He was a skilled woodworker and he and Iola worked together in creating handmade gifts for their children and grandchildren. Ernie was dearly loved by his family and respected and well-liked by his many friends - all have fond memories to hold fast and treasure. For the past three (plus) years, Ernie resided at Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center and his family wishes to acknowledge the compassionate and loving care shown not only to him but to their entire family by the staff. As a part of their extended family they cannot thank you enough for your many kindnesses shown their family on a daily basis.
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