Bill Garner a loving husband to his wife Jackie and father to his children Mona, Gayla, Billy, Ken & Mickey passed away peacefully at his home January 16th, 2021.


Bill was born on January 5th, 1933 in Eldorado Oklahoma. He was one of five children born to Edna and Ivey Garner. He grew up in Wewoka Oklahoma and graduated from Wewoka High School. At the age of 17 he met the love of his life Jacqueline Thurman and they were married April 14th, 1951 in Holdenville Oklahoma. Soon thereafter Bill was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. After being honorably discharged from the army, Bill and Jackie made their home in Hayden, Arizona where Bill was an Electrical Foreman for ASARCO. In 1966 he moved his family to Red Bluff, California where they raised their five children. Bill worked as Steam Plant Manager for Diamond International Lumber Mill. After the mill shut down Bill worked until retirement for Wheelabrator Shasta Energy Company in Anderson.


Bill was an avid baseball & football fan and a devoted Oklahoma University Sooners fan. MLB star Mickey Mantle was among his favorite baseball players. Bill coached his three son's little league teams with great pride but he didn't stop there; he continued his devotion by attending and video recording every game his grandsons participated in. He loved to listen to and laugh along to the comedic character Roy D. Mercer on local Tulsa, Oklahoma radio show KMOD-FM. Bill loved good old country music and passed along his passion for music to his children. If he were listening to music, it's a good chance he'd be playing Hank Williams or Merle Haggard. Bill and Jackie had a love for playing the slots at the casino. Together they would play and often win. He was considered to be very good luck. His grandkids were wise to gift him casino chips and gift certificates to their favorite casino for Christmas.


Bill was a great role model to his children and grandchildren. He was an endlessly patient & kindhearted man, a gentle and warm soul with a witty sense of humor. He was a loving and devoted husband and father who was loved and respected by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.


Bill was preceded in death by his parents Edna & Ivey "Buster" Garner, brothers, Wallace, Ivey & Johnny Paul Garner and sister Bonnie Tow, son Billy Garner, daughter Mona Schoelen & great grandson Braden Schoelen. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jackie, daughter Gayla and husband Marvin Eckels, sons Ken & wife Jodie & Mickey, 11 beloved grandchildren and 24 beloved great grandchildren.


Burial will be at the Veterans Cemetery in Igo and a service will be planned for a later date.