Garner Garrison

Garner Garrison, 94, of Gore, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the House of Prayer in Gore, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at White Cemetery in Gore under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Garner was born on July 21, 1932, in the Gum Springs Community near Gore, Oklahoma, to Lon and Eddie Mae (Nation) Garrison.

On November 3, 1952, he married the love of his life, Lena Thomas, in Van Buren, Arkansas. They shared nearly 73 years of marriage until her passing on July 19, 2025. Together they faithfully served the Lord throughout their lives.

Garner's life was marked by hard work, leadership, and unwavering faith. As a young man, he managed Greenleaf State Park while attending school. He worked as an iron worker before beginning a distinguished 33-year career as a forest ranger.

In 1965, Garner founded the Sequoyah County Water Association, which began operation in 1971. Through his vision and dedication, the association has grown to provide water service to approximately 7,000 homes and families throughout the area. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, he was honored twice with the Water Pioneer Award.

His greatest calling was serving the Lord. Garner first served as a youth leader before becoming pastor of the House of Prayer Church, where he faithfully ministered for 32 years. He and Lena served side by side until their retirement. His life was a testimony of service, and he was always doing something for the Lord.

He is survived by his daughter, Diana and husband Roger Ellis; his son, Charles Garrison; three grandchildren, Brittany Powell and husband Chase, Sean Garrison and wife Ashley, and Heather Garrison; numerous great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lon and Eddie Mae Garrison; his beloved wife, Lena; one daughter, Teresa Jane; one grandson, Ryan Garrison; five brothers; eight sisters; his daughter-in-law, Cindy Garrison; and his son-in-law, Jimmy Don Blackburn.

Active pallbearers will be Tom Barnes, Pete Garrison, Marty Woffard, Stanley Smith, Kenny Smith, and Vince Smith.

Honorary pallbearers will be Diana Blackburn, Charles Garrison, Roger Ellis, Sean Garrison, Brittany Powell, Heather Garrison, Rudy Garrison, Gary Garrison, Mitchell Hornback, and Alan Hornback.

Viewing will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw.