George Chavez Garner, 85, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away on August 27, 2024. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Abna Garner, George grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. He earned his GED before enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he served with honor for eight years, including a tour in the Vietnam War, and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1967.
George's professional career was marked by dedication and versatility. He worked for Westinghouse as a Certified Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Repairman; owned his own air conditioning and refrigeration business and worked as a Certified Airline Mechanic for Trans World Airlines (TWA), from which he retired after 30 years. In his later years, he transitioned to a career as a Funeral Director.
A lifelong member of Second Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas, George was baptized there and was active in various church ministries under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. Roy A. Reed. He participated in the Men’s Ministry, was an avid Sunday School member, and served as a devoted Usher for both the Adult and Youth Usher Boards. He joined First Baptist Church Quindaro under the leadership of Rev. Vernon Gladdis where he also attended Sunday School and served on the Usher Board.
George's commitment extended beyond his church community. He was raised in Silver City Lodge #48, which merged in Olive Branch #74. He was member of Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine (A.E.A.O.N.M.S.), Koran Temple No. 33. His musical talents were well known, as he enjoyed singing and playing the guitar and piano. An avid outdoorsman, George also loved fishing, camping, and to travel. He was an enthusiastic member of the MoKan Roadrunners RV Club.
George and Lillie Garner were married in November 1962 and celebrated 61 years of a loving marriage. He is preceded in death by his mother, sister, and grandmother.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Lillie Garner; their children, Vohnez (Keith) Williams, Chavez (Casandra) Garner, LaShonn (Jeff) Saunders, and LeLonda Sherrod (former son-in-law Dannie); four grandchildren, Cherelle (Garry) Henry, Branden (Courtney) Williams, DeVon Williams, and Darius Sherrod; former son-in-law Marcus Miller; as well as nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
A visitation for George will be held Thursday, September 5, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at First Baptist Church of Quindaro, 3030 Farrow Ave, Kansas City, Kansas 66104. A funeral service will occur Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 10:30 AM, 3030 Farrow Ave, Kansas City, Kansas 66104. A graveside service will occur Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 1:30 PM at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Road, Leavenworth, Kansas 66048.
Serving as pallbearers are Keith Williams, Jeff Saunders, Mr. Phil Jones, Branden Williams, DeVon Williams, Darius Sherrod, Mr. Eugene Hill, Dannie Sherrod, Marcus Miller and Garry Henry.
