Roll Call Tribute

Gary Neil Garner 

August 28, 1936 - May 15, 2025 

Gary Neil Garner was born August 28, 1936 in Albany, NY and went home to be with the Lord on May 15, 2025 in Baytown, TX. Gary moved to Texas with his parents as a young boy and settled in Baytown where he would spend his entire life. He graduated from Robert E. Lee HS in 1954 and Texas A&M University in 1958. Gary was active in the Baytown community early in life, serving in leadership roles in the Baytown Jaycees, Baytown A&M Club, and the Junior Chamber of Commerce in the early 1960’s, and was named Baytown’s “Young Man of the Year” in 1962. He was a founding member of the Gifted and Talented Education (G.A.T.E.) advisory committee for Goose Creek ISD and served nearly 20 years as a board member and chairman of the Baytown Crime Stoppers. Gary worked for much of his career in the chemical testing laboratory for Chevron and then ARCO Chemical Company in Bayport where he retired in 1997 as the plant’s Behavioral Safety Facilitator.

In retirement, Gary became even more active in serving the Baytown community he loved. He found his true calling serving as docent for the Baytown Historical Museum, earning several “Docent of the Year Awards” from the Bay Area Heritage Society during his 10-year tenure from 2002 to 2012. He joined the Kiwanis Club of Baytown in 2000, serving in various leadership positions and received the “Layperson of the Year Award” in 2011. Gary was a member of Goose Creek Country Club where he loved playing golf despite his 30+ handicap, but enjoyed even more sharing his knowledge of history and retelling stories of the adventures and misadventures of his youth.

Gary was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church where he received his Confirmation in 1948 and served in various roles throughout his life, from Acolyte as a young boy to Lay Reader, Lector and member of the Altar Guild. His infectious joy and kindness was a blessing to everyone he met. He enjoyed much of his later years with his late wife, Donna, traveling the country and the world on Elderhostel trips (Road Scholar) and attending musicals and theater events in Houston and Galveston.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Henry Garner and Edith Mae Borthwick; wife of 24 years Aryle “Marie” Garner; wife of 19 years Donna Bonner Garner; and stepson William C. Horton.

He is survived by his sister Nancy Garner; former spouse Sandra Kay Sanders; daughter Kathleen Kay Butler; son Paul Ellis Garner and wife Sherry Larson Garner. Grandchildren are Jessica Bryant and husband Cory; Gretchen McDougal and husband Brian; Wyatt Butler and wife Raven; Madison Johnson and husband Brock; Mason Garner and wife Hannah; Makensie Kasmerski and husband Ryan; and Mallorie Garner. Great-grandchildren are Liam, Coraline, Oliver, Avery, Leo, June, Anna Joy and Scottie.

A memorial service for Gary will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11:00 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 5010 N. Main Street in Baytown. Rev. Dr. Meredith H. Crigler, the Rector of Trinity Episcopal will officiate. All are welcome to join the family for a reception and luncheon immediately following the service in the adjacent Bonner Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church in memory of Gary Garner or to any charity of your choice.

The Garner Family wishes to express our sincerest thanks to the nurses and team at Heritage Hospice Care for their loving care and compassion for dad during his final days. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Crespo and Jirrels Funeral and Cremation Services in Baytown, TX.