Harry Austin Lightner

Funeral services for Harry Lightner will be held Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary of the Church of the Nazarene with services officiated by Rev. Ted Herold, Sr. and Rev. W.O. Boomer under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home in Cleveland, Oklahoma. Services will also be held Friday, February 27, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church in Garden City, Kansas with Rev. Ted Herold, Sr. and Harryís children officiating. Burial will follow at the Valley View Cemetery in Garden City, Kansas under the direction of Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City.

Harry Austin Lightner a resident of Cleveland and former long time resident of Garden City, Kansas was born March 23, 1918 in Finney County, Kansas to John Henry and Marvel Isabel (Long) Lightner. Harry was raised and received his education in Garden City where he graduated from high school. One of Harryís many achievements while a senior in high school was being the first FFA State Star Farmer from Garden City. Shortly after his graduation Harry enrolled at Garden City Junior College. He soon purchased land south of Garden City where he and his brother, George started a joint farming venture.

Harry was united in marriage to Ruth Kleysteuber in May 1940 and they lived on a farm south of Garden City until Ruthís death in 1967. Harry was united in marriage to Jacquie LaGesse Brakey in 1969. During his time as a farmer, Harry was a seed dealer for Garst & Thomas/Pioneer Seed Companies for many years. In 1980, he purchased a gas company in Cleveland, Oklahoma and moved to Cleveland, in 1982. Harry was united in marriage to Liz Infield on March 6, 1988. While in Oklahoma, he continued to raise cattle as well as a few horses.

Harry was a generous man giving much to those in need. He funded and supported an office building at Horn Creek, Colorado, and numerous church needs in Costa Rica and was an avid Mission Supporter. He was a also a avid gardener, getting much enjoyment from growing vegetables and flowers and sharing them with many people.

Harry is a Charter member of the Plymell Union Church in Garden City, former member of the Soil and Conservation Board in Finney County, Kansas, Finney County Historical Society and Building Committee of the YMCA in Garden City as well as a current devoted attendee of the local Church of the Nazarene.

Harry passed away Sunday morning February 22, 2004 at his home in Cleveland at the age of 85 years 10 months and 29 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George, Frank, Dale, Virgil and a sister Alma, first wife Ruth in 1967 and second wife Jacquie in 1982.

Survived by his wife, Liz, of the home; three sons, Harry Kent and wife Lydia Lightner of Costa Rica; David Keith and wife Sylvia Lightner of Windom, Minnesota; John Henry and wife Cindy Lightner of Garden City, Kansas; one daughter Mary Sue and husband Dan Cramer of Alma Center, Wisconsin; one sister Margaret Ruth Hibler of Pierceville, Kansas; two step sons, John Brakey of Prescott, Arizona; David and wife Denise Brakey of Garden City, Kansas; three step daughters: Mary Jean and husband Jim Tiede of Salina, Kansas; Linda and husband Pete Motley of Garden City, Kansas; Leslie Mahan of Cleveland, Oklahoma; fourteen grandchildren, Kent, Lisa, Kurt, Keith, Kevin, Kristopher, Konrad, Jonathan, Matthew, Jamie, Olivia, Joshua, Andrew, and Micaiah, one great grandson, August, nine step grandchildren, Bryan, Keith, Richard, Ryan, Reid, Molly, Jacqueline, Jarrod and John Aaron, one step granddaughter, McKenna as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

Family has requested memorials to be made in Harryís name to the Church of the Nazarene Memorial Fund at 104 East Wichita, Cleveland, Oklahoma 74020 or Cleveland Portable Meals.

Visit an online obituary and guestbook for Harry Lightner at www.chapman-black.com.