Joe Lee Garner

Joe Lee “Burr” Garner, age 77, of Portland, Texas, passed away on January 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on January 18, 1949, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Burr was the son of Joe Francis and Margie Ruth (Duncan) Garner. He graduated from Gregory-Portland High School and worked at the family-owned Delta Plumbing in Portland while attending college. He later joined the National Guard, where he served for six years.

Following his service, Burr worked for Texaco as a gauger in the oil fields before later joining the Texas Department of Corrections, serving in Karnes City and Beeville, Texas.

Above all, Burr cherished his family — especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved the outdoors and spent many happy days fishing, hunting, and camping, often traveling to state and national parks to pitch his tent and take in the beauty of nature. That same connection to the outdoors was reflected closer to home, where he carefully tended his lawn and garden, especially his cherished tomato plants. His travels reflected a deep curiosity about the stories behind the places he visited, from Texas and rural communities to the mountains of Colorado, where he carried lifelong memories of summers spent there with his father. He treasured time spent with his daughter and son-in-law at their cabin in East Texas, a place that brought him great peace and joy. He embraced travel adventures of all kinds, including two trips to Italy to visit his daughter and her family, as well as memorable journeys with his grandchildren. Burr took pride in sharing what he had learned along the way, weaving together history, place, and family memories to ensure stories of past generations and Texas roots were passed on to those who came after him. Alongside his devotion to family, he maintained a close and enduring friendship with Barry Albrecht, a friend since high school, and rarely missed their weekly lunches together.

He was preceded in death by his parents and the granddaughter he lovingly referred to as “Girl Doll,” Kaylin O’Steen.

Burr is survived by his children, Larry Levy, Sarah JoRuth (John) O’Steen, and Kathryn Garner (Brian) Kerr; his sisters, Lynda Ragsdale and Patty Moore; his grandchildren, Madisyn Levy, Paige Levy, Cameron (Alexis) Sims, Alix Kerr, Austen (Ceci) Bailey, Dylan Shane (Caroline) Lyons, Pressley (Jonathan) Bailey, Madi (Josh) Kerr, and Kyle (Briana) Bailey; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Services will be held February 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Winsteads’ Funeral Home, 500 Wildcat Drive, Portland, Texas 78374.

A gathering of family and friends will follow at First Christian Church, 1103 Lang Road, Portland, Texas.

Burr will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.