Obituary of Orland Kenneth Garner

Ken Garner passed away October 12, 2013 at the age of 91. He was born August 13, 1922 in Grey, Oklahoma to George and Maude (Gooch) Garner. Ken graduated from Elmira High School in 1941 and married his high school sweetheart, Florence Mathews on May 31, 1942 in Noti, OR at the Noti Church of Christ.Schools Ken attended were in Grey, Oklahoma, McGlynn Grade School, Eugene-Woodrow Wilson and Elmira High School. He had 9 siblings. In 1931, Ken and his family moved from Oklahoma to Noti, OR. He continued to reside in Noti until he moved to Elmira, OR in 1972. After graduating from high school he worked for International Paper (Snellstrom Brothers) until serving in the U.S. Air Force (1942-1946) during WWII. After serving in the military for 3 years, Ken continued his employment with International Paper (at that time called Long Bell) as an Electrician until his retirement in 1983 for a total of 44 years. In 1984 Ken helped his son Gordon start Mid-Lane Truck Repair where he continued working 2-3 days a week for 20 years.In addition to his years of dedicated employment, Ken was a Lane/Rural Volunteer Firefighter for 20 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and was always available to help anyone with projects, repairs and readily available to fix anything. His family and friends were his pride and joy.Ken is survived by his wife Florence of 71 years; his three children, Gordon (wife Linda) of Elmira; Janet Ferber (husband Lonnie) of Roseburg; David (wife Donna) of Veneta; 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren.A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2013 at West Lawn Memorial Gardens in Eugene, OR at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to Lane/Rural Fire District, Veneta, OR. Online condolences may be made at www.musgroves.com.