Don Garnier

Donald Lee Garnier, known to everyone as “Don” was born in 1935 in St. Louis, Missouri. Don is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Patricia Garnier, father, Albert Garnier, mother, Robertus Johnson, half brother, William Johnson, and his son Guy Garnier. Don is survived by his daughter Donna Garnier, his son and daughter in law Greg and Sonya Garnier; grandchildren Pete, Michelle (Miller), Danielle, Jacob and wife Bria, and Janie; great grandchildren Matthew and Heidi Miller.

Don was a well known and respected professional in the air conditioning service industry for many years. When he moved to Houston with his family in 1957, Don began a job as a service technician and fell in love with the profession and soon developed his skills into an entire career. While working, he attended night school at U of H to expand his technical knowledge. In 1967, he started his own business, Polar Air, with one truck, and took service calls out of his house. Don grew the business into what it is today and remained active in it until his death.

Don was an active member of the Air Conditioning Contractors Association (ACCA). He served as president of ACCA-Greater Houston in 1994, served on the board of directors of Texas ACCA, and was active in the membership committee. He was inducted into the ACCA Hall of Fame in 2002. He set an example for other contractors and has influenced many to be better business managers. After the death of his eldest son, Guy, who also worked at Polar Air, Don provided scholarships in Guy’s name for many years to graduating seniors of the air conditioning classes at Spring Branch ISD Career Center.

Don was active in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts with his son Guy and in the Cub Scouts with his grandson, Pete. He was a proud supporter of Spring Branch ISD FFA. He was an avid fan of local sports teams, including the U of H Cougars, where he and his best friend, Bubba Bond, always wore red blazers to the games. He regularly attended games for the Houston Oilers when they were here, and the Astros and Rockets. He also enjoyed hunting and spending time at Lake Livingston boating and cooking on the grill. Don will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation for Don will be Monday, February 22, 2016 from 6-8pm, and Tuesday from 1-2:30pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. Services celebrating his life will be Tuesday at 3:00pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. Concluding services, Don will be laid to rest at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.