William Potter Garner, 75, a resident of Monrovia, California passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2015 in Pasadena, CA following a brief illness. He was born on July 20, 1939 in East Liverpool, Ohio a son to the late Earl and Beatrice Lillian Potter Garner.
Bill Graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1957, he served for two years in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. After leaving the service he and several friends traveled to California in 1962 to find work. Bill worked for Stuart Pharmaceutical which became Johnson & Johnson and then later Astra-Zenica. He attended Pasadena City College to extend his education. Bill retired as a Maintenance Supervisor at Stuart Pharmaceutical in 2000.
Bill enjoyed camping, travel, excursion trains, horse racing, 5K “Senior Runs” and the annual Pasadena Rose Parade. Many times he drove his car from California to his home town, stopping to see many interesting parks and historical sites along the way. Bill wanted his one last train ride and came home by train.
He is survived by a brother, Alfred John Suzanne Garner of Toledo, OH and a sister-in-law, Susan Garner Keith of East Palestine, OH; nephews, John A. Garner Vickie of Findlay, OH and Steven L. Garner Alicia of Pittsburgh, PA; great nephews; Ronald Garner and Bradley Garner of Findlay, OH.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Leslie Earl Garner on August 3, 1990 and Keith Frank Garner on August 13, 2011.
Services will be held at the Calcutta Chapel of the Martin MacLean Altmeyer Funeral Homes on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 1:30 P.M. with Pastor Norm Eckert of Beechwood Free Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery.
Family will be present to receive friends at the Calcutta Funeral Home on Saturday, May 23. 2015 from 11:30 A.M. up until the time of service
From the day I was born Bill has always been a part of my life. He may not be blood but I have only known him as “Uncle Bill.” He has watched me grow up over these last 29 years and help me become the man I am today. My fondest memories are Christmas mornings. I could always count on Santa Anita shirts, casino chips and beer. All wrapped in his infamous brown paper bag wrapping paper. I will never forget the times at the horse track, seating in the in field and watching him pull three Budweiser’s out of his pants. I don’t think I ever told him how much he meant to me but I know he knew that I did love him like an uncle. He will be missed but never forgotten.
I met Bill 44 years ago, the same year I met my wife, Vicki. Bill & our other good friends became my family. Bill traveled with us & became my loyal co-pilot–a gravel road was never passed! Traveling will never be the same! Thank you, Bill, my good friend. Dale Schumacher
Bill was always family to us. “Uncle Bill” to our son, Alex. He went with us on our vacations and spent holidays with us. 44 years of special memories. We had more to make! We are so thankful that we got down to see Bill one last time one week before he left us so suddenly. He was a true friend to me through a bunch of ups and downs and health issues over the years and always cheered me up. He will be truly missed! Vicki Schumacher
I’m deeply saddened by the passing of your brother, and my long time friend Bill. I have known Bill for close to 40 years. He and I and his other longtime friends have had many memorable times together which will never be forgotten. Please don’t hesitate to call me if I can be of help, when you come to California. With my deepest sympathies; Ron Lloyd.
Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find–Shakespeare
Bill you were a great friend for 44 years. Becky and I, our children and grandchildren will miss you deeply. From Thanksgiving dinner, to the track and the 5K, to Vegas and the local casino, to being with the Del Rio group all these years has been amazing.
Your wit and wisdom will be sorely missed. Yours was a road well traveled and well lived. You will be sorely missed.
John and Becky Otten and family