WEST FRANKFORT – Terry James Garner passed away unexpectedly Saturday, January 28, 2023 at his home in West Frankfort, IL. He was 78.

He was born January 4, 1945 in Conway, Arkansas to John C. And Daphine Gilley Garner. They preceded him in death.

He lived many years in Chester, IL where he was a member of the First United Methodist Church. In June 2004 he married Jan Porter and they have resided in West Frankfort.

Garner attended Arkansas State University and served in the U.S. Army National Guard and Reserve. He was employed for many years as a conductor for the Missouri Pacific/Union Pacific Railroad, from which he was retired. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and served on the Board of the Wit & Wisdom Senior Citizen group in West Frankfort.

Terry Garner is survived by his wife, Jan Garner of West Frankfort; one son, Jamey (Geralyn) Garner of New Smyrna Beach, FL; one brother, Kenneth Garner of Wichita, Kansas; one aunt, Oquilla Rogers of Jonesboro, Arkansas: several nieces and nephews and many friends.

A funeral service will be held Monday, February 13 at Union Funeral Chapel in West Frankfort. Visitation will be held from noon until 2 p.m. on that day with the funeral beginning at 2 p.m. The Rev. Dr. L.J. Scheets III will officiate. Burial will be in Denning Cemetery. Masonic rites will be conducted by the Masonic Lodge #72 – Chester, Illinois.

Facts of interest: Terry enjoyed fishing, music, attending auctions, having coffee with his friends and going out to eat with his wife, Jan.

He was passionate about following his son’s music career and always happy to tell his friends about Jamey’s music activities.