James R. “Bob” Garner Jr., passed on to his next life on June 12, 2016. He was born into this world on February 5, 1934 to James R. Garner Sr. and Edith Conquest Garner in Muncie, IN.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Pamela A. (Moore) Garner of Trafalgar, IN, to whom he married on May 25, 1979 in Indianapolis, IN; a daughter, Cindy Esham (Dave) of Mooresville, IN; son Mark R. Garner of Worthington, IN; two grandsons, Josh (Tammy) Garner of Martinsville, IN, and Robert Garner of Worthington, IN; great-granddaughters, Olivia and Samantha Garner; and great grandson Shawn Young; a sister Sue Stuffel of Tell City, IN.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Ivan Stuffel.
Bob attended Muncie Central High School until November 1951, at which time he left school and joined the Marine Corps. He served in Korea from June 1952 until September 1954 as a member of the Marine Detachment, aboard the USS Oriskany, CVA 34. He was discharged from the USMC in November of the same year.
Bob hired on at Indiana Bell Telephone Company and retired after 37 years in 1991. He was a manager with the responsibility of Installation and Repair of telephones and outside plant, a position that he dearly loved.
Bob was active in the United States Army Reserve and retired after 30 years as a First Sargent.
He loved to travel with his wife, Pam, they cruised all over the world. Gulf Shores, AL was his favorite winter destination.
At one time he was an avid fisherman and golfer before he got too old. He still loved to play golf weekly into his 80’s.
Bob was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Franklin, IN; United States Seagoing Marine Association, USS Oriskany Association, Telephone Pioneers of America, and American Legion Post #205 in Franklin, IN.
Bob will miss this Great Country and always said “He lived in the Best of Times”.
A Special thanks to Dr. Hamid Sayar at the IU Simon Cancer Center and to all the nurses, medical assistants, and staff who cared for Bob during his years with leukemia.
The Reverend Walter Howard will conduct a service Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 7PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN with full military honors to follow. Friends may call Wednesday, June 15, 2016 from 4PM till service time at the mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center c/o Indiana University Foundation in memory of James “Bob” Garner, P.O. Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information at 317-738-0202.

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