Robert H. Garner, Outdoorsman and Vietnam Veteran, Passes Away

Remembering Robert H. Garner

Robert H. Garner, a lifelong outdoorsman, veteran, and family man, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois, according to an obituary published by Garner Funeral Chapel.

Born on December 16, 1949, in Hannibal, Missouri, to parents Robert M. Garner and Edna Bell Heskett, Bob grew up with a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He began exploring when he was barely walking, picking up hobbies like fishing, deer hunting, and mushroom hunting that would define his leisure time for decades. Those early adventures laid the groundwork for countless memories alongside his mother, father, wife, brother John Garner, nephews Johnny and Jimmy Garner, niece Kristy Enoch, and a wide circle of aunts, uncles, and friends.

A Lifetime of Adventures and Travel

Hunting and fishing trips were rarely quiet affairs for Bob. Whether he was heading out with his son, Darrick, or a group of friends, the excursions inevitably produced wild tales—usually revolving around the legendary big one that got away. Deer hunting offered the same camaraderie, with Bob often expressing as much joy in the journey and the company as he did in bringing home a deer.

That same sense of curiosity guided his travels with his wife, Ruth I. Stewart, whom he married in 1975. The couple shared 51 years of marriage, building a life together that eventually included a grand ambition: visiting all 50 states. They managed to check off 44 states before health concerns forced them to halt their travels.

Facing Illness with Resilience

Bob’s health challenges stemmed from his service during the Vietnam War, where he was exposed to Agent Orange during his tour in 1970 and 1971. The exposure caught up with him at age 64, touching off a 12-year battle with kidney failure. Despite the severity of the illness, he fought a steady battle, leaning on humor, kindness, and love to keep his own spirits up and to lift the people around him.

Family members remember him for the laughter he brought into rooms, noting that he was a blessing to many and left behind a trail of jokes and warm memories.

Robert H. Garner, Outdoorsman and Vietnam Veteran, Passes Away

Services and Final Arrangements

Bob is survived by his wife, Ruth, and their son, Darrick Lee Garner, who is married to Melanie Martin. He also leaves behind a grandson, Gunnar Braydon Garner, age 12. He was preceded in death by another grandson, Hunter.

Visitation was held on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Garner Funeral Home & Chapel in Monroe City, Missouri. Funeral services followed at 12:00 p.m. at the chapel, with the Reverend Dwayne Larenson officiating. Burial took place at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Hunnewell, Missouri.

Active pallbearers for the service were Raymond Crane, Billy East, Jack Sharkey, Jr., Johnny Garner, Gunnar Garner, Clayton White, and Chris Selleck. Honorary pallbearers included Lester Blackford, Tom Mayes, John Garner, Jimmie Garner, Mike Harper, Darrell Darnell, Keith Paris, Steve McGree, and Kent Cheek. Funeral arrangements were handled by Garner Funeral Home & Chapel.