Murl (Bill) Garner |
| Posted 2009-12-02 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Wednesday, January 29, 2003 Murl (Bill) Garner was born on August 24th, 1916 in Milikan, Colorado, and lived an exemplary life characterized by integrity, patriotism, hard work, willing civic leadership, generosity, and an incessant concern for others. During World War II he served in the Air Force as a flight engineer aboard B-26 bombers. He flew 42 missions over France, Germany, and North Africa and, on occasion, his aircraft was forced to limp back to its home base riddled by enemy fire. On one such mission, his plane was one of only 6 to return safely, out of an original force of 36 aircraft. After the war, while stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, Bill married Elizabeth Moorhouse. Shortly thereafter, he and Elizabeth moved to Florence, Arizona. There they farmed cotton, raised cattle and started their family with four children. But, ever concerned with helping others, Bill and Elizabeth decided to make five more children their own through adoption. Despite the demands of running a business and raising a family of nine children, Bill still found time to serve as a prominent community leader. He served on the School Board for nine years; was an active member of the Elections Board; a member of the Pinal County Sheriff's Posse for 15 years; a member of the Farm Bureau for 35 years; and served in the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Master, Chairman of the Saguaro District, District Commissioner, and was a recipient of the "Silver Beaver" award for his many years of dedicated Scouting leadership. But his most important commitment was to his faith in God. Bill was an active member of the Presbyterian church in Florence for nearly 20 years. Later, Bill moved to Show Low, Arizona, where he and Elizabeth resided for nearly 30 years. There he began a second career in construction and, as always, remained active in his faith, attending White Mountain Bible Church. For the past 31/2 years Bill resided in Scottsdale, Arizona. In his later years, Bill dealt uncomplainingly with the debilitating effects of emphysema. But even illness could not truly defeat this remarkable man. Bill's resolve and grace throughout a long battle with his final illness provided those around him with an awe-inspiring example of true courage in the face of adversity. Bill Garner's fortitude and unwavering faith were clearly demonstrated when, on January 27, 2003, he passed confidently and eagerly into the eternal presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Elizabeth. He is also survived by his nine children (all of whom he adored) including Michael Garner of Chandler, Az., Merry Anne Davis of Coolidge, Az., Jill Gilbreath of Scottsdale, Az., Robert Garner of Topsham, Me., Patricia Poteet of Crawford, Colo., William Garner of Henderson, Nev., Peter Garner of Las Vegas, Nev., Kerry Douglas of Hawthorne, Calif., and Susan Seel of Martinez, Calif.. Bill is also survived by numerous cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many "in-laws" who loved and respected him, and countless dear friends. |
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