Don L Garner

Don Leroy Garner, 75, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away peacefully at his home on August 1, 2025, surrounded by many of his family members, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on December 12, 1949, in Burley, Idaho, Don was the beloved son of Charles Leroy Garner and Gladys Cora Campbell. He lived a life marked by devotion to family, deep faith, an unshakable work ethic, and a love for all things with wheels and engines.

Don was the fifth of eight children and grew up on his parents’ farm. He was deeply influenced by his five older sisters—Carol, Barbara, Louise, Janice, and Suzanne.

He was also blessed with two younger brothers, Paul and Charlie, with whom he shared a strong bond. Growing up in rural Idaho, Don enjoyed close relationships with many cousins and extended family members who lived nearby, helping to shape his sense of loyalty and belonging. After his early childhood in Burley, Idaho, Don moved with his parents to Utah County, where he continued to thrive and develop his love of hard work and family.

Don graduated from Orem High School in 1968 and later served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in England, where he strengthened the faith that would guide him throughout his life. After returning home, he met and married his first wife, Gwendolynn Shuman. Together, they had seven children: Christopher, April, Benjamin, Brandt, Jonathan, Thomas, and Nathan.

Years later after becoming single again, Don met Cheri Nuttall at a church dance in Salt Lake County. Their friendship grew through shared evenings of music and concerts across Utah, and they were married on December 11, 1993. Cheri brought two children into the marriage: Jessica and Sim. She and Don were then blessed with two more boys: Alexander and Andrew. Don embraced his blended family, raising eleven children with steadfast love and devotion.

Don spent his career as a heavy hauler in the transportation business-a role he took pride in as both a provider and a craftsman. His mechanical talents developed early on the farm, and over the years he learned to operate machinery, fix just about anything, and even fly a small plane. Whether four-wheeling, dirt biking, boating, or snowmobiling, Don found joy in movement and momentum. To him, work and play were often one and the same.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Don’s faith remained strong throughout his life. He served in numerous positions and accepted many opportunities to be of service. He loved the scriptures and often reminded himself to live with faith, not fear. He was often found kneeling in prayer, seeking strength from the Lord he trusted fully.

In 2021, Don’s health began to deteriorate, and by 2022 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Throughout his illness, he remained surrounded by the love and support of his family. Don’s youngest son, Andrew, assisted Cheri in caring for him daily in their Skye Canyon home located in northwest Las Vegas. With sons Nate and Sim living nearby, and other children only a few hours away, Don was blessed with daily moments of connection and joy with many of his children and grandchildren.

Don was a proud grandfather to 19 grandchildren: Andelyn Garner, Megan Garner, Jacquelyn Stell, Corbin Garner, Abigail Stell, Isla Garner, Shepherd Garner, Brigham Stell, Lewis Garner, Soleil Garner, Noah Garner, Myla Hall, Ethan Garner, Hunter Hall, Arius Garner, Capri Garner, Jacy Hall, Cruz Mejia, and Ezra Garner. He adored them all and took great comfort in his relationship with them.

He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his love of adventure and engines, his humble spirit, and his enduring faith in God.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Cheri; his eleven children; eighteen grandchildren; and five of his siblings.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Leroy Garner and Gladys Cora Campbell; his sister Carol and brother Charlie; and his beloved granddaughter, Soleil Garner.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the LDS Chapel at 9830 W Elkhorn Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89166 in Las Vegas from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by interment at Palms Northwest Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. 6701 N Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131. All are invited to join the Garner family to celebrate Don’s life and legacy.

For those who are not able to attend the funeral service, the family has coordinated a livestream which can be viewed at the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/97510503443

The family has created a memorial video which can be viewed by family and friends at the following link:

https://youtu.be/k1CWCzA18pY?si=VhhsoqMYg1DnaVQa