Thomas L. Garner, of Lumberton, Texas went home to be with the Lord on February 18, 2025.
He was born on January 4, 1934, in West Helena, Arkansas to Eleanor Blanche Hazlewood and Tom B Garner, preceded him in death. He was one of three children. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany.
On January 25, 1958, he married Carole Jo Krebs from Liberty, Texas, in Neu Ulm, Germany. They enjoyed a happy and loving marriage for sixty-seven years.
He was an active member of Lumberton Church of Christ of Lumberton, Texas. He served as an elder at Lumberton and also at Westgate Church of Christ in Beaumont, Texas for many years. Tom was a devoted Christian. Tom’s life was an example of what Jesus can do in you and through you. He was talented in encouraging young men to become leaders at different congregations. He was known for his faithfulness to God and his family.
He worked at Mobil Oil and Mobil Chemical in the accounting department. Later, he was on staff at the Church of Christ in Nashville, Tennessee. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and spend time at the deer lease. He enjoyed fishing with family and friends at Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas and living at Rayburn Country Resort.
He is survived by his sons, John Philip Garner and his wife, Karen from San Marcos, California, Thomas Edward Garner and Kathy from Sugar Land, Texas, James Frank Garner and his wife, Arcel from Lumberton, Texas, Paul Arthur Garner and his wife, Karen from Beaumont, Texas; his seven grandchildren: Stephen Daniel Garner and wife, Casey from San Marcos, California, David Joseph Garner from New York City, New York, Kyleigh Garner Crawford and her husband, Doak, from Magnolia, Texas, Bless and Luke James Garner from Lumberton, Texas, Kelsie Garner Martin and husband, Weston, from Beaumont, Texas and Catherine Garner Simmons and husband, Chas from Lumberton, Texas and eight great-grandchildren, Jack and Macy Simmons from Lumberton, Texas, Norah, Luka and Remy Garner from San Marcos, California, and Truett James, preceded him in death, Kade and Wrenley Sue Crawford from Magnolia, Texas. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
We want to thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice and Vital Steps and their support with providing excellent caregivers.
The Homecoming Service will be at 2:00 pm held at Faith and Family Funeral Services in Batson, Texas on February 22, 2025, with a visitation between 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. He will have a private burial at Oakdale Cemetery in Daisetta, Texas.
Tom was a great Christian who loved people. Our lives are better because of his kindness and influence. He will always be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Funeral arrangements will be conducted by Spencer Shaw, minister of Lumberton Church of Christ, Lumberton, Texas, and Rocky Hudson, elder, First Colony Church of Christ, Sugar Land, Texas.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lumberton Church of Christ, 90 West Chance Drive, Lumberton, Texas 77657.