Thomas Franklin "Tom" Garner Jr.

Thomas Franklin Garner Jr., 94, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026.

Tom was born May 21, 1931, in McLoud, Oklahoma. As a young man, he answered the call to serve his country, becoming a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and completing two tours during the Korean War. The strength, discipline, and loyalty he carried from his time in the Marines stayed with him throughout his life.

Tom was a man defined by hard work and quiet generosity. He spent most of his life working with his hands and took deep pride in the work he did. Yet no matter how busy life became, he always found time for others. Neighbors knew they could count on him, and family knew they could depend on him. Among his greatest joys was his lifelong passion for training race horses, a pursuit that reflected both his patience and his deep love of the land and animals he worked with.

On January 15, 1955, Tom married the love of his life, Sylvia Gayle Nelson. Together they built not only a home, but a lasting legacy of faith, devotion, and family. Their life together became the foundation of a large and loving family that grew to include four children: Jeff (Sheree) Garner, Craig Garner, Todd (Jackie) Garner, and Shelley (Brent) Webb. Their posterity now includes 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, each carrying forward a piece of his strength, kindness, and steady example.

He is survived by his sister Norma (Cleve) and his brother David (Carol), along with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. To those who knew him as Jr., Dad, Grandpa, Poppa Tom, Uncle, Brother, Brother-in-law, Neighbor, and Sergeant Garner, he was an enduring example of Christlike love, service, and quiet strength.

Now, like his beloved eternal companion Gayle, his parents, his brothers Jim and Ralph, his sisters Dot and Patsy, and his grandson Carson, he is just away.

Graveside services with military honors will be held Friday, March 13 at 9:30 a.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 East Pinnacle Peak Road in Phoenix. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 21915 E. Cloud Road in Queen Creek.

If you are unable to attend the service, please click on the following link to livestream the service: https://zoom.us/j/92759133248