Frank Edwin Garver

Frank E. Garver, CDR., CHC, USN, Ret., passed away on January 8, 2025 at the age of 94. Frank was a retired Navy Commander, having served in the United States Navy for 20 years, including four years as an enlisted Aviation Electrician and sixteen years as a Navy Chaplain. Both prior to his service in the military, and upon retirement, he served as a pastor. After retirement from the United States Navy, Frank also served as a Southern Baptist Missionary with the International Mission Board, serving in Japan and in Thailand.

He was a graduate of Wake Forest University, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Duke University Divinity School.

Frank was born in Shelby, North Carolina. At his passing, he was a resident of the Army Residence Community in San Antonio, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Vivian Garver; his son, Frank E. Garver, Jr.; his sisters, Floy Walker and Sarah Padgett; his brother, Dean Garver; and his parents, Minnie Garver and Summie Garver.

He is survived by his children, Jennifer and John Garver, and his wife of 43 years, Josie Garver.

Frank had many interests. He enjoyed tinkering with his tools and had an avid interest in cars, taking after his father who was a car mechanic. He enjoyed reading and studying the bible. He reveled in traveling and had traveled the world. He took great pride in his military service and enjoyed telling sea stories of his adventures in the Navy.

Frank lived an abundant life of service to his country and to his faith.

He will be buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas with full military honors.

Words of comfort and cherished memories may be shared with the family below in the “Add a Memory” section. We invite all who knew and loved Frank to join us in remembering his wonderful life and to honor the legacy he leaves behind.