Marvin Aquilla Garner of Dexter, Missouri was born in Dexter on March 8, 1934, and passed from this life on Monday August 15, 2022 at 9:34 PM, at the age of 88 years. Marvin was a faithful member of the Dexter church of Christ. He spent many years both in Greenville, IL, and Dexter teaching Bible classes, preaching, serving as an elder (Greenville), involved in mission work in Africa, Mexico, and India, and generously supporting missions, orphans, Christian education, and individuals.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents: Robert A Garner and Cora Lee (DeArman) Garner; brothers: Lewis, Lester, Ivan, Hubert, Chester, Robert, Larry, and Loyd Garner; sisters: Myrl Cook, Emma Stallion, Norma Grubbs, and Maxine Gillis.
Marvin is survived by his wife Evelyn of the home, along with daughter Sandra Lynn (Garner) Richey (husband Paul) of Dexter, son James David Garner of Greenville, IL; grandchildren: Neil Richey (wife Emily), Clint Richey (wife Abbie), granddaughter Elaine Dodd (husband Will); great-grandchildren: Peyton, Rebekah, Harper, Hayden, Mac, Gwyn, Reagan, and Weston; along with many nephews, nieces, cousins, other family and friends.
Marvin graduated from Dexter High School in 1952, after which, he spent two years working at and managing a dairy processing plant in Poplar Bluff; during which time he made the decision to attend Harding College and study chemistry and mathematics. After a year at Harding, Marvin married Evelyn Jane Thomen of Dexter on June 4, 1955. During their time at Harding, Marvin helped establish and served as Plant Manager for College Farm Dairy (owned and operated by Harding). They completed their time at Harding with Marvin graduating in May 1959, with his BS in Chemistry and minor in mathematics. After graduation he took some additional courses in education from Arkansas State and Harding. He then began teaching chemistry and mathematics at Charles G. Ross High School near Hayti. After teaching for a couple of years, Marvin decided to focus on a career in in the food processing industry. He and Evelyn moved to Greenville, IL; where he began work in food research for Pet, Inc. While working for Pet, Marvin and Evelyn adopted their two children (Sandra and James). In their spare time, they farmed and developed a sub-division (Lakeview Estates) on the lake where they lived. After his work at Pet, Marvin worked as Director of Research for Universal Flavors and Vitex America. Then the big move in 1983; he started his own food company (Garner Creative Products) and became a primary supplier to prisons and other institutions in Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Then in 2000, Marvin sold the company and he and Evelyn returned to Dexter; where they built a house on the exact location of the house where he grew up.
Throughout the years in Greenville, he loved and raised his two precious children; engaging in various activities of encouragement and support for them as they grew and matured into adults. Marvin’s love for Sandra and James was only surpassed by his love for Evelyn and his God.
We will miss you Marvin………. loving husband and Dad!
