Kenneth W. "Ken" Garner

1942 - 2025

Garner, Kenneth "Ken" W.

Sep 18, 1942 - Jan 26, 2025

Kenneth "Ken" Garner, 82, of Bryan, Texas, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the family he cherished on January 26. His life was a testament to hard work, love, and devotion to family and community.

Born in Bryan, Texas, to Lamar "Square" Garner and Josephine Garner, Ken was the oldest son of their 7 children.

Throughout his career, Ken worked across the great state of Texas before returning to Bryan to reconnect to his roots. At the age of 10, he began his journey as a hard worker, throwing newspapers and taking pride in every task he set his mind to. At 15, Ken moved to Wichita Falls, where his determination quickly earned him the trust of his foreman and the wages of a full-time worker.

He started multiple successful companies; Garner Company, Bryan Wallcovering, and KJG Contractors, becoming a cornerstone of the Bryan-College Station community. His craftsmanship and dedication touched countless buildings in the area, leaving a legacy that will stand for years to come.

Ken married Thelma Brown in a unique double wedding ceremony alongside his sister, JoAnn Garner. Together, Ken and Thelma had three children: Delton, Joetta, and Quintin. After their divorce, Ken married Lisa Cargill, and they had one son, Arlon.

In October 1980, Ken met the love of his life, Janette Esparza, on the dance floor at the Sons of Hermann Hall. Their love story unfolded as effortlessly as a two-step, leading to their marriage in July 1981. Together, they had three children: Kendra, Justin, and Jordan.

Ken was an exceptional country dancer, known for teaching his children how to two-step and spinning his family gracefully across the dance floor for decades. Some of his sweetest moments were spent twirling his grandchildren, sharing his love of music and movement with them.

Ken is survived by his wife, Janette Garner, children Delton Garner, Joetta Eberly and husband Chris, Quintin Garner, Kendra Hannon and husband Joe, Justin Garner, Jordan Garner. Grandchildren, Nolan Eberly and spouse Molly, Elizabeth (Eberly) Gutierrez and spouse William, Avery Hannon, and Ellis Hannon. Great Grandchild Mickey Vincent Gutierrez. Siblings, David Garner and wife Linda, JoAnn Williamson, Debra Sebesta and husband Bubba, Donna Haley and husband David, Duane Garner. And numerous nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be held on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Hillier Funeral Home & Cremations, with the Rosary beginning at 7:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, February 3rd, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, followed by the burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. A reception will be held afterward at St. Joseph's Catholic Church from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.

Please visit www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share deepest condolences and expressions of gratitude for Ken and a life well lived.