Gerald Talmadge Garner

Gerald Talmadge Garner WYLIE – Gerald “Gerry” Talmadge Garner, 78, died peacefully on December 25, 2023, at Arapaho Rehab and Care Center in Richardson, Texas after a year-long battle with Cancer. He was born February 26, 1945, Delhi, Louisiana, the son of Talmadge and Audrey (Bayles) Garner of Kilbourne, Louisiana. Gerry graduated from Kilbourne High School in 1963, following graduation he attended McNeese State College and received an associate degree, he served in the U.S. Airforce and was stationed at Offutt Airforce Base – Omaha, Nebraska. He married the love of his life on November 5, 1966, to Mary Eloise (Schneider) Garner, they settled in Nebraska, then on to Texas, Oregon and back to Texas. They recently celebrated 57 years of marriage on November 5th this year. Gerry was a loyal and patriotic member of the American Legion Post 321 in Plano, Texas where he served as Commander for several terms and a member of the American Legion Post 368 in Richardson, Texas. Gerry loved to tell a good story and if you were blessed to be in his presence then it was time to pull up a chair as it could be a while. Gerry had a huge heart and would give you the shirt off his back. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren and would do anything for his family. When serving as Commander of the American Legion Post 321 he would seek out bands for the entertainment on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights – he loved to listen to a good country music band or old-time music band. He was a loyal fan of LSU and Dallas Cowboy football teams. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren and would do anything for his family. In addition to his parents Talmadge & Audrey Garner he is predeceased by his grandson, Ryan Davis Gittens. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Mary (Schneider) Garner, four children – Bette (Bill) Hammell of Fate, Texas, Gerald Talmadge Garner JR of Wylie, Texas, Jessica (Tracy) Pedretti of Irving, Texas, and Edward Davis Garner of Wylie, Texas. Grandchildren, Lauryn (Richard) Wang, Brittney Foster, Thomas Gittens-his partner Chase Callowell, Christine Pedretti, and Hayden Pedretti, Great Grandchildren – Nathaniel, Dominic, Jaxon Hatfield, and Russell Wang, one brother George (Doyce) Garner of Sanford Florida, two nephews, Bryan and Greg Garner and several cousins. Memorial Service for a Celebration of Life and Burial at the DFW Veterans Cemetery to follow at a later date.

Gerald Talmadge Garner

February 26, 1945 - December 25, 2023