Daniel James Garner was born on July 11, 1918 in Texoma, Oklahoma to Clark D. and Fannie Miller Garner. In 1927, Dan moved with his family from the panhandle of Texas to a farm about 16 miles northeast of Las Animas, Colorado. He attended rural schools and received his 8th grade diploma at the Rixy School. Dan worked in CCC Camp at the Mesa Verde National Park for 1 year. He worked for several farmers, shocked feed, shucked corn and whatever needed to be done. In 1941 he was employed in helping prepare for the building of the John Martin Dam.
In October 1941, he was drafted in the United States Army where he served 49 months. He was in Germany in 1945 when his third brother was killed in action. He received orders to be returned to the states at a station of his choice. He finished his service at Ft. Logan, Colorado. He received the following ribbons, medals and stars: American Theater Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, European Theater of Operation Ribbon, Rhineland Battle Star, Good Conduct Medal, European African Medal, Victory Ribbon, Marksman Medal and Carbine Medal.
On June 29, 1945, Dan and Evelyn Brenton were united in marriage. To this union 4 sons were born: James R., Eugene Lee, Gale Eldon, and Merle Alien. Eugene passed away at infancy and Merle at age 29. In 1947, Dan and Evelyn bought a farm in the Prairie Queen Community, northwest of Eads. They farmed and raised livestock there for many years. In 1965 they bought a home in Eads, and moved to town. They continued to farm and also operated the Eads Bowling Lanes.
Dan was elected president of the State Young Farmers and Homemakers for a year and served as a 4-H leader. He accepted Jesus as his savior and was baptized. He served the church in many capacities from handing out bulletins, to setting out trees and pruning the church shrubbery. He was a good neighbor and loved children and pets.
Dan departed this life on July 27, 2004 at the Weisbrod Memorial Hospital in Eads at the age of 86. Dan is preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and one sister. He is survived by his loving wife Evelyn, 2 sons; James Gamer and Gale (Bonnie) Garner; 3 granddaughters, 11 great grandchildren, 3 sisters, 1 brother-in-law, Ivan (Rosalee) Brenton and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services for Daniel James Garner were held on Saturday July 31, 2004 at the United Methodist Church in Eads. Rev. Gary Goettel and L.D. Nelson officiated the services. Philomene Liesen and Betty Crow were the pianist and organist with Sylvia Weeks, Mary Eikner and Areta Laird as vocalists. Musical selections were "There Will Be No Dark Valley" and "Going Down The Valley One By One". Casket bearers were: Harvey Kelley, Walt Immer, Terry Laird, Tim Weeks, Les Rittgers, John Negley and Cardon Berry. Honorary casket bearers were Gerald Miner, George Jacobs, Clarence Weber, Alvin Siefkas, Don Phillips, Don McDaniel, Ed Negley, Rich Hockett and Keith Wissel. Final committal services were held at the Eads Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be sent to the United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. Arrangements were handled by Brown Funeral Home.
Dan & Evelyn
We met so many years ago
And our sorrow soon began
As our country was in war
And our country needed men,
Yes Dan was in the service
We thought it couldn't be
Our grief was very great
When he left for over sea,
The months were long and lonely
Just how long I cannot say
Our happiness can't be described
When Dan came home to stay,
We were married June 1945
We couldn't wait 'till fall
We didn't ask for anymore
We thought we had it all.
We began our life as farmers
And our hopes were very strong
Then the second year of farming
Little Jimmy came along,
We sure enjoyed our baby
As most all parents do
Of course he kept us busy
But he made us happy too.
But roads in life all have a turn
This always seems to be
As within another year
We lost our Little Eugene Lee.
When great sorrow comes to us
We always wonder why
But God always sends a comforter
To help the years slip by.
We knew that He was with us
And would never let us fail
For within a few short years
We were joined by Merle and Gale.
They helped us in our sorrow
And have helped us on our way
This has made our home more happy
As time was passing day by day.
They did all graduate from college
And as they traveled every mile
We have proudly watched and waited
This has made our life worth while.
Jim spent some time in service
Merle some years in Nepal
Gale sometimes worked far from home
So we have worried about them all.
Now in the year of 8l
We can so happily say
Although they have traveled many miles
They are now all in the U.S.A.
Written Mav 1981