Nov 5, 1929 - Aug 31, 2013
Dr. Garner was one of my all-time favorite teachers. He enjoyed sharing ideas with his students and was one of those rare professors who viewed his younger learners as thinking human beings. His humility, his sense of humor and his competence in running a classroom endeared him to a great many students during his highly respected career, and I consider myself fortunate to have been in his circle of life.
Steve Allen
August 27, 2024 | Newman, IL | Student
Dear Suellen: You are in my heart today. The loving relationship you and Don had for so many years was a model for all of us. Love, Patty
Patricia Tucker-Ladd
September 04, 2013 | Chicago, IL
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers, from the faculty and staff of Booth Library on the EIU campus
September 04, 2013
Suellyn, We have you in our thoughts today. Don Garner--what a wonderfully wise and witty guy. The world is better because he was here. Bless your heart. John and Nancy Renshaw
Nancy Renshaw
September 03, 2013 | Mattoon, IL
Suellyn,
Don Garner was one great guy and was a positive, warm and inspiring role model for me during my undergraduate years at EIU and continued to be so as the years went by. His was truly a life well lived and one of his great fortunes in life was finding you. May God comfort and bless you.
Warmly,
Steve Allen
Newman
September 03, 2013
CHARLESTON, IL – Donald PaulGarner, age 83 of Charleston, died on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at CharlestonRehabilitation and Health Care Center. Aprivate graveside service will be held at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston witha memorial gathering to be held at a later date. It is requested that in lieu of flowers thoughtfuldonations in his honor be made to a local charity of the donor's preferenceincluding Soup Stop, Food Pantry, Coalition For People in Need, and LincolnlandHospice. Gifts may be mailed to AdamsFuneral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Don was born on November 5,1929 in Kennett, Missouri, the son of the late Robert Lee and Alverta (Stevens)Garner. He married Suellyn Lindsey onJune 12, 1966. He is survived bySuellyn, his wife of forty-seven years; two sons and three grandchildren, Joshand wife Dedre and their children MacKenzie and Logan of Broken Arrow, OK; andDirk and wife Zarina and their son Aidan Paul Truckenbrod of Berea, OH; and twonieces. In addition to his parents hewas preceded in death by a sister, Bobbie Lou Alsup and one nephew.
Don was a 1947 graduate ofKennett High School in Missouri and attained his Bachelor's Degree in Speechand English in 1951 from Harding University in Searcy, AR. He earned a Master's Degree in Speech andTheatre in 1953 at Kent State University in Ohio and completed further study atOhio State University for a summer and one semester. He began teaching at David LipscombUniversity in Nashville, TN during which time he was drafted by the U.S. Armyand served in the Korean War. Hereturned to Nashville for a semester and one year then enrolled at Wayne StateUniversity in Detroit, MI. Aftercompleting course work there, he taught for two years at the University ofMaryland with a program that educated American soldiers based in Europeaninstallations. Following his return toWayne State and completing his PhD, he moved to Charleston, IL and taught at EasternIllinois University from 1963 – 94. During that period he served as chair of the Department of Speech for 11years.
Don's career includedteaching, publishing, graphic layout and design, editing, directing theatre,lecturing, and consulting. He was anavid reader, a collector of sheet music, a published author and possessed apassion for photography. His love fortravel took him to all the states of the Union, most of them two or threetimes, and 37 countries during his lifetime.
He was an active participantin professional organizations, serving as presenter and officer during hiscareer. Locally, he served as presidentof the Charleston Historical Society. Hewas on the board at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, Retired SeniorVolunteer Program, and Charleston Community Theatre.
Don will be missed bystudents, friends and especially by his family, all of whom his love, wisdomand intellect served well. All werewelcome at his fireside.
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