Josh Lee Garner

Josh Lee Garner passed away on Monday, July 14, 2014, in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 74 years, five months and twenty eight days. Josh was born in Sawyer, Oklahoma on January 17, 1940. He was the son of John W. and Wilma Lucille (Adams) Garner. At a young age Josh moved from Southeastern Oklahoma to Tulsa, Oklahoma with his family. During his time in Tulsa Josh attended school in Sand Springs. The family relocated to the Los Angeles area when Josh was 16. On February 6, 1957, Josh joined the United States Navy. At the completion of basic training Josh was assigned to the U.S.S. Midway. In May of 1961, Josh was reassigned to the U.S.S. Taylor and stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. During his time in Hawaii, Josh participated in the nuclear testing at Johnston Island. During the remainder of Joshís 20 years of service he was also stationed aboard the following ships: U.S.S. Wiltsie, U.S.S. Berkeley, U.S.S. Morton, U.S.S. Dale, U.S.S. John S. McCain as well as the U.S.S. Tattnall. Chief Petty Officer Garner was a chef during his time and served 1000ís of sailors daily. His last assignment was in Mayport, Florida where he was honorably discharged on June 28, 1976. Chief Garner also received the following decorations and citations during his tenure: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unite Commendations, Combat Action, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal as well as the Good Conduct Medal Third Award. During his time in the military Josh was united in marriage to F. Sharen Gause on August 31, 1968. Following his separation from the U.S. Navy the couple resided in several places before settling in Rogers, Arkansas. Josh remained working in the food industry and worked at several other places including Missouri Southern State College, Oral Robert University, Stouffers Company and the Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers. But his favorite place to work was at the donut shop in Rogers. Following the death of his wife Sharen in 2004; Josh moved to Jenning, Oklahoma. Several years later he meet his current wife Becky Maurine Tims. The couple was united in marriage on April 6, 2006, in Miami, Oklahoma. The couple established their home in Jennings where he was currently residing. Josh was a very tender hearted person. He was very dedicated to helping those in need and especially the unfortunate ones that are homeless. Josh spent many hours giving back to his fellow veterans as an advocate for their rights. Survivors are his wife Becky of the home, six children Debbie Freeman of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tammi Prothro of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Corinne Cariota and her husband Brian of Porter, Texas, Jon Kevin Offenbacker and his wife Suzie of Collinsville, Oklahoma, Debbie Sue Witt and her husband Stan of Langley, Oklahoma, Cynthia Ann Alexander of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; one brother Johnny Garner of Yokam, Texas; sister Beverly Badish of Las Vegas, Nevada; eleven grandchildren; six great grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends that will mourn his passing. In addition to his parents Josh was preceded in death by his wife Sharen Garner, one brother Rex Garner and two grandchildren Amber and Christopher. Services will be held 10:00 am, Friday, July 19, 2014 at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Following the services the cremated remains will be entombed under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. The family has requested donations be made in Joshís name to the John 3:16 Mission Tulsa Chapter, 506 North Cheyenne Ave., Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103.