Dyer "Sonny" Garner Jr.

Born in Blytheville, Arkansas, Sonny lived up to his name in every sense of the word. Known for his sunny disposition, gentle warmth, and boundless generosity, he spent his life brightening the days of everyone around him. To his family, he was a true beacon of light. After serving honorably in the military, he returned to the seat of a tractor and his true calling—working the land as a farmer while growing and nurturing a beautiful family.

A cornerstone of his life was his steadfast faith and devotion to his church community. A longtime member of Morehouse First General Baptist Church, Sonny faithfully served the Lord as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and choir director, sharing his heart and guidance with his congregation.

Sonny was an outdoorsman through and through, finding deep appreciation in all of God’s creation. He loved calling turkeys, chasing whitetail deer, and crappie fishing on Kentucky lakes. He found a special kind of joy walking the fields beside his cherished, lifelong friends quail hunting—watching the dogs work, and telling tall tales along the way.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen "Clydie" (Reynolds) Garner; his children, Marianne (Mark) Hensley of Sikeston, Kathy Curry of Dexter; his grandchildren, Tiffany Hensley of Coral Springs, FL, Amber Barnes of Dexter, Mark-Dyer Hensley of Sikeston, and Zach (Kacie) Curry of Benton; seven great-grandchildren; his brothers, Tim Garner of Sikeston and Mike Garner of Benton; and his sister, Patricia Hesselrode of Murray, KY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dyer D. Garner and William "Billie" (Loflin) Garner; his sister, Glenda Becker; and his brothers, Bill Garner and David Garner.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Hensley, Mike Johnson, Mark Becker, Brian Becker, Zach Curry, and Mark-Dyer Hensley. Honorary pallbearers will be Thomas Critchlow, Pete Leija, Danny Lambert, Jerry Barnett, and Willy Boyles.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, followed immediately by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, MO.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Morehouse First General Baptist Church, P.O. Box 502, Morehouse, MO 63868.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com for the Garner family.