I am writing from rural Wis on Thanksgiving eve, 2019.  My husband and I just returned from church and heard a great sermon from a former pastor.   He was retired and had an exceptional gift of preaching God's word with interest and humor.
He reminded me of Mr. Garner whom we heard preach once in Houston at Providence Presbyterian Church in Sugar Land.   Pastor Garner left a lasting impression on me for many reasons, one of which is that I am a Wis native.
More importantly than that, however, was his extraordinary gift of preaching.  Through the years, I have thought of many things from  his sermon.   He left a lasting impression for sure!!
I did not remember Pastor Garner's first name, only that his son, Phil managed the Brewers.  My entire family were big fans and loved Phil.  
I also remember  his greeting. " Garner's the name and preaching's the game."
We moved from Houston in 1996 so we heard him preach sometime before that but have never forgotten him.
I went to a Lutheran church tonight and remembered a Baptist minister that I heard preach at a Presbyterian church nearly 20 years ago.  God is great !!
I believe Pastor Garner was greeted by God who thanked him for being His faithful servant.  Blessings to your family.


I met Drew on one of his daily walks through our neighborhood. Always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye, he was fond of telling stories growing up in Tennessee. Not sure about the one chasing Dolly Parton when she was a little girl. Who knows, it might be true. Proud of his children and a rock solid Astros fan. One day after I came home from a walk, my wife asked me why I was gone so long. "I saw Drew." No further explanation needed. He told me how he and his Navy crewmates cried tears of joy when the news of the Japanese surrender was announced. He loved attending Tallowood Baptist, and I loved seeing him every Sunday. I miss him.

Beneath his folksy demeanor, Drew had a fine mind and was surely one of the most widely read pastors I have known. But rather then knowledge puffing him up, he was always warm and open hearted with true empathy for the "little guy." Of course I will always be personally grateful that it was through his Saturday pastor's breakfast with several young Christian men back in the 1980s I met my future husband. Although the loss of a loved one brings sorrow to those left behind, I rejoice for Drew's home going to his precious Savior.

Pastor Drew was a caring man that showed love and kindness to me and my family for so many years.  Many of my favorite memories are from times with the Garners and church family.  I remember loving to go to the Garner home for lunch after the Sunday morning church service.  In thinking about how long I knew Drew - I believe we started church with Drew when I was about 4 years old and I was a member of the church well into my mid 20's.

Drew made an impact on so many lives which has led to generations of families being faithful in Christ because of his teaching and guidance. I can't think of a greater legacy than leading others to know Christ.

Drew was generous, encouraging, and kind to me and many others. He never met a stranger, and he listened deeply. When I met him, I was young and he was old, but he had a unique capacity to reach across that age difference in the spirit of true friendship. My condolences to the Garner family.

Pastor Garner was such a wonderful influence in my early school years.His ability to share Gods word was wonderful and I have used it my entire life. I knew Phil,Brenda and Linda best. They were all like family.
I really enjoyed the album and being able to see everyone.i will hold each of you in my heart and prayers.

Mr. Garner was my first base coach when I played Babe Ruth baseball in Rutledge, Tennessee  He devoted a huge amount of time and effort working with all of us throughout the early 60's.  I am now 69.  I will always be grateful to this great man for the example he set for us.  I know I speak for all my teammates on the Rutledge Lions Club baseball team.  May God bless him and his family.  Albert Daugherty, Jr.  Rutledge, Tennessee

Remember sharing Astros games with Drew and mom. I was about 10 and Drew always spent time just talking and laughing with me about school and baseball. I have many happy memories of this wonderful man. R.I.P Drew Garner, you will be missed. Prayers to Garner family.

My deepest sympathy is extended to Phil, Carol, and the rest of the Garner family.  Reverend Drew was someone I always looked forward to seeing at many of the baseball-related functions during my years in Houston.  Such a warm and caring individual, with a truly great sense of humor.  He will be missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to have him cross our path in this life....

Mr. Garner was a regular in our Astros locker room. He was no stranger to the players. Spent time with everyone, talking about whatever was comfortable, on our mind or praising His Lord. Thanks for sharing your dad Phil & Carol. He was a Man of God. Terry & Jackie Puhl

See you in the eternal kingdom of our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In loving memory of a great man, Drew Garner.
Dan Gillaspie and Toni Burton
Granbury, Texas

Drew was our pastor years ago. He married me and my husband (Sharon and Greg). We loved him so much and will miss him. May God bless all of you. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I have so many wonderful memories with him. He was an amazing person.

I will miss my dear friend, Drew.  We had lots of fun watching our Astros from Astrodome days and Minute Maid Park.  My husband, Ron, and I send prayers to Mary Frances and the Garner family.  You are at rest now...well done, thy good and faithful servant.

Drew was my pastor years ago! He married me and my husband 28 years ago!  I have fond memories of him and his great sense of humor.  May our Lord give you all great comfort!

I am at a loss for words. I know there is nothing for me to say that will make you all feel better. May all the sweet memories of your dad bring you solace during this difficult time. I hope all the great moments you had with your dad brings you comfort. May God give you strength during this difficult time. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Drew was a friend, my pastor and my fellow Astros fan. He was my around the block neighbor in Westbury. He helped me through a divorce and cancer. He would come round to visit and we'd watch the Astros and listen to country music. When he took me to a game, it was really a treat. I cherished the Saturday morning bible study at the Jewish Deli. A little bible, a lot of talking.

Drew was the best pastor I have ever had. Truly a blessing from the Lord.

Thank you family for sharing him,

Jim Hunter
Austin, Texas

My sympathy to your family during this time of grief.

What a guy Drew was!  To grow up in his presence in the small town of Rutledge TN was a wonderful experience.  Drew was a great example to the young people in Rutledge and a great influence on many of our lives.  In heaven he will hear from those who have passed on before him of the wonderful influence that he was to them and from the rest of us when we get there.  May all of the family find comfort in having a man like Drew Garner to lead them in this earthly life.

Little did I know the impact and influence this preacher from Tennessee would have on my life.  His first steps on Texas soil were only the beginning of millions he would walk with the Thomases.  Bro. Garner was always around and available to meet so many of our needs, and there were plenty...illnesses, heartaches,weddings, funerals, ball games and family celebrations.  He prayed with us, he cried with us, and yes, he certainly laughed with us.  His laugh was infectious.  So was his love for our Lord.  It was under his teaching and preaching that my foundation of faith and love for Christ was built.  He is the true definition of a Pastor.  I am forever grateful to him.  May each of you  feel the peace and grace that our Lord so freely gives, not just today...but always.
Bro. Garner is walking the streets of gold with my dad right now.  That makes me smile.  He was his very best friend.
Love,
Cecilia Thomas Rich

It was a pleasure to have met Mr. Garner through my friendship with Linda.  He was a kind and loving person.  He had a great sense of humor and would alway find a way in causal conversation to let his light shine and be a witness of his faith.  No doubt he is resting peacefully in the embrace of his Heavenly Father.

With Deepest Sympathy and Greatest Respect to Drew and his family.

I can't remember ever seeing Drew when he wasn't smiling.  He enjoyed watching baseball for sure.  Our condolences to the family.  He was truly a good, good man.

Drew's desire to tour the USS Enterprise was what brought our families together so many years ago, and we cherish the memories.  He was truly a servant of God.  We offer our prayers for comfort and peace, especially for his beloved live-time partner in ministry. - Jim and Janie Perdew

Larry and I hate to hear of Drewey's passing .Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.He was quite the storyteller and taught me many things about the Garners on his brief visits here to Tennessee. God bless and comfort all of you
Larry and Valerie Garner

We express our condolences in the passing of Drewey.  Praying the Lord uplift and comfort you and your family through this loss.

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Drew will be greatly missed. He was a great blessing to me over the years, despite our many differences. I pray that he is now experiencing the Beatific Vision of beholding the face of the Lord Jesus Christ in glory with all the saints and angels! All praise and glory to God for His marvellous electing grace toward us, such vile sinners, through the blood and righteousness of Christ! Amen!

One often hears a husband and wife define their first meeting as 'love at first sight'.  Our first encounter with my bro. Drew was no different: 'Christ-like love and Trust at first meeting. God opened doors of fellowship in late 70s, leading to a loving church's prayerful and generous support of our missionary labors in Puerto Rico.

And when their own material reality was tested and tried, he sought out others to take their place.  Years later, loving generosity was again shown to us.  Drew and Frances were so kind and sweet to us, whether I was on a solo trip or with my family. Our children never forget the Garner's loving care for us... going to the area pool with Frances... and more!

When Drew took a short trip to PR, including several days in the Dom. Rep., he was deeply touched by what he saw and heard.  I'll never forget the huge smile of a proud Dad when the elderly Dominican country preacher, Silito, who knew no English... and Drew no Spanish! told him that he followed US baseball games on his little radio and the name, Phil Garner, was well-known to him.  Sí, Si !!  Yes!

On that trip Drew asked me to take a photo of a spot in the country where we still minister the Word which to him 'had to be the most beautiful place in the world... that Eden must've been like this.' What a blessed time of fellowship with my dear bro. Drew!

Staying in the Garner home, traveling with Drew to a Conference, taking over driving when he was sleepy, eating out with him at a real Mex Rest., playing Frances' piano in their home...! Praise God for using Drew to teach God's Word through example, being a humble peace-maker, even to those who did not believe Grace as he did. Smiling, he'd remind me: 'Dave, we're on the winning team'.

He's now in that glorious 'Heavenly Sunshine', which he so often asked me to play wherever he saw a piano.  A dear man, trusting friend, lover of Christ and His Word, a true blessing to my life. Our merciful God will sustain and comfort you, dear family, in your loss and his gain, day by day. God is Good!  God is Sovereign! Praise His name! Our prayers are with you.

Drew performed a huge favor, appearing as a character witness for me at The West Loop Abortion Tresspass trial around 1987. Our case made it to the U.S. Supreme Court where they upheld the lower case ruling. For me it was a very fine act on his part and important in my defense. Of course I was guilty but we were using "The Defense of Necessity" to attempt to overturn Roe vs. Wade.

Drew, the best Pastor I have ever had. You had a profound effect on my life. You taught me so much about life and living for the Lord.

OBITUARY

Drewey Mason Garner

November 25, 1926 – March 7, 2017

Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home & Cemetery

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