Charles Kenneth Garner

Houston, Texas began his journey from this world on to everlasting life on July 30, 2020,

at the age of 77 years. Words cannot express how greatly he will be missed.

Charles K. Garner was born in Bonham, Texas in September, 1942 to loving parents

Ben Lewis Garner and Bennie Louise Smith Garner. Charles' first years of life were on the family farm with his Mother & Grandparents Canada E. Smith and Myrtle C. Richardson Smith in Bells, Texas. The family lived on the farm while his Father proudly served his Country. His Paternal Grandparents were Charlie and Luna Garner. Some of Charles' most special memories of his youth were the times spent with his Aunts & most especially "Aunt Bobbie Ruth". Having grown up together, his cousins Karol, Randy, Raub, Bryan, Bobby, Danny, Ricky, Gary, Mickey & Billy were his "First Very Best Lifetime Friends". Charles' immediate family grew when he was blessed with a younger sibling, his dear little sister Linda Joyce.

Charles also grew up in the South Texas area. He attended & excelled at Harlingen High School in the Math & Slide Rule Club, the Science & Industrial Arts Clubs winning many Local & National honors. With no time for training or actively participating in "Sports", Charles found the time to be an integral part of the Football & Basketball teams by volunteering to be involved in anyway he could, even as a ball boy. Charles was set to attend the

Air Force Academy in Colorado and had passed every single challenging test, when a slight physical impairment blocked his path. He says he "high-tailed back to Texas as fast as he could to enroll in Texas A & M University". While at Texas A & M Charles was a dedicated and very proud member of the Corp of Cadets. Charles was an avid pianist who could play piano by ear like nobody's business.

Charles as a young man came to Houston and worked at the Houston Ship Channel on a dredge boat, to eventually work his way up in his career as an employee of Shell Oil. In the late 1960s, Charles in his mid-20's became married to Ms. Susan Bivins. With his unique talents and desire to work in a more independent style, Charles later became a Home Builder with Don Williamson Homes of Sugar Land, Texas.

Charles eventually took his keen eye for detail and tireless work ethic and began a career in the Bank Equipment industry. Over a long span of decades, Charles worked for Lane Bank Equipment, Smith Southern, Comco and Hamilton Vaultronics. He took part in the project planning, building & design, ordering, and directing installation of all types of bank equipment products from designing walk-in safes, to oversight of the installation of safe deposit boxes, to installation of teller equipment and the construction of bank drive-thrus across Texas. It is now being said by his former co-workers that Charles Garner was a "Legend in the Bank Equipment Industry".

Hesitant at first, Charles came to love his retirement period. Charles was a movie buff and enjoyed great music, and sports -at times there were ballgames on the computer, radio and the television simultaneously. Most recently, one of his favorite & "silly retirement" things to do was go to Sam's or HEB and drive around in the carts and sample all the food items that were handed out for taste testing. He had time on his hands & enjoyed himself.

Charles was deeply dismayed with the current events of the day. He fondly expressed his grand memories of the 50s, 60s & 70s in Texas --honest living, hard work, family, respect for our Country and the individuals around us. If he could have taken a trip back to those safe and happy years he would of been the 1st in line to buy a ticket.

Charles Garner was blessed with a "Double Lifetime of Love" that many are not fortunate to experience. In 1982, Charles began what would become a lifetime partnership of 38 years to wife Rita Annette of San Antonio Tx.

Charles K. Garner was a very special person in that he was always there to help and remedy any situation and solve any obstacle for his loved ones. He always wanted the "very best" for others and would alway reach out to make life easier for all.

May Our Beloved Charles Garner Rest in Heavenly Peace. Amen

Charles K. Garner is preceded in death by his Parents Ben & Louise Garner.

He is Survived by Wife, Rita Annette; and the entire members of the Lopez family;

Sister, Linda Joyce Garner Bastian, Brother-In-Law David Bastian of Victoria, Texas;

Niece, Kecia Bastian Haas and Husband Chris Haas;

Niece, Destiny Bastian Reeve and Husband Travis Reeve;

Great Uncle to: Hudson, Haden & Holden Haas and Blake, & Ainsley & Colt Reeve

We Love You Charles, -Until We See You Again.