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Joseph F. (Joe) Garner, 86

Joseph F. (Joe) Garner, 86 of Ava, Mo., was born June 29, 1925 near Noble Mo., to parents Floyd and Radie James Garner. On March 4, 2012 he departed this life at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Mo.

Joe proudly served his county in the US Army during World War II, earning several awards from his country including the Purple Heart and three bronze stars during his service in the European African Middle East Theatre Campaign.

Joe enjoyed hunting squirrels and then cooking them into tasty dishes for his family. In fact, he just loved to cook about anything for his family; he was an excellent cook. His children have fond memories of his singing and yodeling as he fixed breakfast for them. He taught all the children, girls and boys, how to hunt, shoot and cook. He knew the sounds of nature and could imitate bird songs and nature sounds to sound just like the birds. He and Doris also enjoyed playing bingo.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; eight brothers and sisters; as well as two great-grandchildren.

Joe is survived by is wife, Doris; four daughters; Gilda Walker, Roxie Braun, Sheila Jenkins, and Rebecca Cox; as well as three sons, David Garner, Daniel Garner, and Joel Garner. He is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his brother, John Garner, and several nieces, nephews and other relatives as well as his many friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 7, at 1 p.m. in the Ava Family Funeral Home Chapel with a visitation hosted from 12 until service time, also in the Ava Family Funeral Home. Burial followed in the Dyer Cemetery near Basher.

Full military honors were provided by the Ava VFW #5593, the American Legion #112 and the Mo. National Guard Military Funeral Honors Detail. All arrangements were under the care and direction of Ava Family Funeral Home.

To send condolences visit www.facebook.com/AvaFamily FuneralHome.com.