Cover photo for Donald Ray Garner, Sr.'s Obituary
Donald Ray Garner, Sr. Profile Photo
1933 Donald 2019

Donald Ray Garner, Sr.

May 4, 1933 — June 21, 2019

Donald Ray Garner, Sr., of Lake Saint Louis, MO, passed away Friday, June 21, 2019 at the age of 86. Loving husband of 42 years to Jacqueline Lou Garner; beloved son of the late Joel Henry and Edna Doreen Garner; devoted father of Donald (Therese) Garner, Jr., Sherry Garner (Bob) Elcox, Joel (Natalie) Garner, Michelle Garner (Geoff) Nedry, Marilyn Garner (Kelly) Irwin; step-father of Jeff (Penny) Moore, and Debbie Moore Winn; cherished grandfather of Nicholas (Brittany) Moore, Zachary Garner, Kelsey Garner, Molly Garner, Benjamin Garner, Ashley (Devon) Tyree, Amanda Elcox, Julia Garner, Lucy Garner, Alexander Nedry, Rachel Nedry, Taylor Irwin, Lauren Irwin, and Kristine Irwin; step-grandfather of Mitchell Winn and Travis Winn; treasured great-grandfather of Ryan Moore, Brielle Tyree, and Gavin Tyree; dear brother of Sonja Kay Garner (Harlin) Howerton; caring uncle of Terry (Linda) Howerton; dearest great-uncle of Lydia (Mike) Howerton-Jahrling and Montana Howerton. Donald is preceded in death by his step-son, Kevin Moore; brother, Joel Gene Garner, and sister, Melba Garner Killan.

Donald attended Bakersfield High School in Bakersfield, MO. After high school Donald continued his education at Arizona State, Mesa Community College, Military Academy of New Mexico, United States Senior NCO Academy of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Airline Safety Flight School, and got a FAA Commercial Pilot license. Donald was awarded the Charles Taylor, award 2009, the highest honor Federal Aviation recognizing lifetime accomplishment for Senior Aviation Maintenance.

Donald proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1953-1974 during both the Korean War and Vietnam War and United States Airforce Reserve from 1974-1982. He was the General Manager for Mesa, Arizona Air Service, flight school instructor, and test pilot from 1974-1976. Then from 1977-1978 he worked with General Dynamics, Ft. Worth/Dallas Texas as a Lead Editor in technical writing, and publication of safety manuals. From 1980-1989 Donald worked for McDonnell Douglas Electronics Senior Technical Writer for jets and Heads Up displays for F-18 in St. Louis, MO and then from 1989-2006 he worked at Federal Aviation Administration as a Flight Safety Inspector in St. Louis, MO. He was Lt. Colonel of Civil Air Patrol civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force and a member of Church of Christ, County Line Masonic Lodge and the American Legion. Donald was Brigadier General United States Service Command and was Duel Rated FAA.

Donald enjoyed traveling, fishing, flying, boating, Mbaseball, and Tbasketball. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be made in Donald's name to the Parkinson's Foundation.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Ray Garner, Sr., please visit our flower store.

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Interment

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, MO

2900 Sheridan Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125

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