LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Rev. Allen Garner, 93, departed this life and by faith entered into the joy of his salvation Wednesday, July 5, 2017, in Lexington, Ky. He was surrounded by family at his death.
Rev. Garner was born June 25, 1924, to Allen and Grace Garner in Poplar Bluff, where he grew up. He studied industrial engineering and participated in the Army Officer Training Program at Texas A&M. Upon completion of his freshman year there, he enlisted in the Army, was selected for O.C.S. and served as a 2nd Lt. in the Signal Corps in the South Pacific during WW II.
Rev. Garner completed his engineering degree at A&M after the service. He then returned to Poplar Bluff to partner with his father in the management of Allen Garner Chevrolet. During this time, he met and married Catherine Dawson, of Glenwood Springs, Colo., with whom he had three children.
Called to ministry in 1955, Dr. Garner moved his young family to Nashville, Tenn., where he entered Vanderbilt University School of Divinity. Upon graduation, he began his lifetime of ministry in the First Christian Church. His longest pastorate was in Winchester, Ky.
Allen Garner earned his Masters in Theology and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Lexington Theological Seminary. He was subsequently elected to the Board of Trustees and, in 1994, was installed as a Trustee Emeritus of the Seminary. Dr. Garner continued his studies with graduate courses in Mansfield College, Oxford, England, at St. Andrews University in St. Andrews, Scotland, and completed graduate research at Lexington Theological Seminary.
A man of many interests and talents, Allen relished opportunities to tell and hear good jokes and stories with friends and family. He was an avid golfer, licensed pilot, teacher, writer, a dedicated sports fan, and enjoyed music immensely, especially good jazz.
Dr. Garner was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Catherine. He is survived by his three children: Grace (Benson) Miller, Allen (Ann Whitney) Garner, and Virginia (Don) Cullison; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his one sister, Martha Garner (David) Albers of Poplar Bluff.
A memorial service is planned for Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, at Christ Church Cathedral in Lexington, Ky.
Rest in peace, dear brother.
Paid