Michael D. Garner
May 7, 1958 ~ December 28, 2007
Garner, Michael D., 49, passed away Friday December 28, 2007. Mike was born May 7, 1958 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Mike grew up in Arkansas where his love of football began. Mike played high school football and then played college ball for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Mike moved to Wichita, Kansas in 1979 when he began working for Cessna Aircraft. Over the next 28 years, Mike held numerous positions from a computer room technician to getting his Textron Six Sigma Black Belt certification and finally becoming Director of Quality of all small cabin aircraft. On July 4, 1990 Mike took Lynette and her daughter Tiffany on their first date, 28 short days later they all became a family and married on August 2, 1990. Less than a year later on June 3, 1991, Tyler Garner joined the family completing the family “circle”. For the next 17 years, Mike would revolve his entire life around his family and work. In 2001, Mike completed his education with a Bachelor of Science and Manufacturing Engineering degree at Southwestern College. With his education and leadership capabilities, Mike was able to achieve his current position as Director of Quality at Cessna Aircraft in December of 2007. Mike could make a friend of the stranger sitting next to him at a football game. His personality and attitude were contagious and made Mike the guy everyone loved to love. On June 16, 2006, Kendyll Garner was born making “Papa” the proudest grandpa ever. Mike will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Mike is survived by his wife, Lynette; daughter Tiffany; son, Tyler; granddaughter, Kendyll, all of Wichita; mother and step-father, Lou Dave Colclasure, of Conway, AR; father step-mother, Bob Peggy Garner, of Farmington, AR; sisters and brothers-in-law, Debbie Don Ranz, of Farmington, AR, and Cheryl Kevin Mills, of Lincoln, AR; four nieces; two great-nieces. Visitation with the family 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 1, 2008, at Downing Lahey Mortuary West. Funeral service will be 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 2, 2008, at Central Community Church, with interment at Resthaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established as the Michael D. Garner Scholarship Fund, c/o Goddard High School Marching Band, 2500 S. 199th Street West, Goddard, Kansas, 67052.
Visitation with the family 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 1, 2008, at Downing Lahey Mortuary West
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I was so sorry to learn about Mike’s passing. He was a good friend in high school and I will always remember that green mustang. I even have pictures of him at my surprise birthday party when I was 16. I was the chair of our class reunion and I was so glad he was able to come. Of course business demands meant that most of the pictures have him on his phone! My deepest sympathies to his family. May he rest in peace.
Lynette, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Mike was a wonderful man who will be missed by all who knew him. Tracey Graziosi
My name is Shari and I met Mike while working at Craig Allen’s. I throughly enjoyed him. I became his stylist until Sept. when I decided to move on with my career. He always dressed so stylish. I even commented on his outfit one day and he thought it may have been ‘a little too much.’ He was very concerned with the way his hair would look. I even bought him his own hair brush, just for him, to use when he came in. I am so shocked about his passing and I know he will be missed greatly. Shari Bergosh- Douglass, Ks
Mike you wore many hats for me; Leader, Mentor, Coach, Cheerleader, Friend and when I really needed it, a Brother. I am fortunate that our paths crossed in life because you taught me so many things. Your passion and drive was contagious. Your stories and jokes left me sore or with the hiccups from laughing so hard. Working around you never felt like work at all. You really were the genuine article. Thank you for having such a positive impact on my life. I will miss you dearly.
Mike was a close childhood friend (since about 1963), I’ve only seen him a few times since our highschool years yet I still remember what a nice person he was. Just last week some old highschool friends and I were talking about him. I’ll never forget the christmas morning of 1970 when Mike drove his new minibike into my back yard, I was there watching him drive down through the woods. There was snow on the ground but Mike had to show it to me and my brother. A few weeks later I was driving it, pulling Mike with a rope attached to his snow sled. He slid into the ditches several times but it was very fun. When he worked at the IGA grocery store (during his high school years) he made sure to give special attention to my mom. He would carry out her groceries to her car. Hey for those of you that knew him then, do you remember that Mustang he drove? The world is a lesser place without Mike, yet heaven must be glowing due to his presence. REST IN PEACE MIKE. I’ll see you again someday. Patrick Parkerson
Lynette, Tiffany and Tyler – I’m sorry for your loss. Mike in his unusual way always brought a smile to my face when I was stressed out. His fun loving style at work and the joking around took the stress out of work. I’m fortunate and glad I got to spend time with him in Independence getting to know him better. I will never forget the first week of fun with the truck incident. All he could think about was his family back in Wichita. I could tell he loved you all very much. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to call or email!
I first met Mike by chance on the CJ flight to Indy. In that 35 minute flight, Mike had everyone talking and joking around like old friends. In Feb, when I transferred to Quality, I could have not gotten a better boss. His passion and energy for Quality was contagious. It wasn’t long before Mike had us all working with that same frenzied passionate energy. And we loved it. Mike always had time for each one of us. He gave us his support, guidance, and undivided attention. He believed in our greatness. He was truely one of the good guys and I will miss him greatly.
Mike Garner – Of all the stories I have about you – and yes Lynette – most are all true – I will never forget Tailgating in KC. Those of you who were there realize that this wasn’t fun unless Mike was there. Mike was the party – he loved all of us with a passion and a zeal that I have never experienced from any other. He loved life – he loved his family, he loved Cessna. He was my best friend – I am very empty today as I know I cannot talk with him at work on Wednesday. But that is just me being selfish – Mike is telling us right now to live a full life – reach your dreams and smile along the way. If we are truly judged by what we do for others than Mike is the king because that is what he was all about. I love you mike – my brother – I miss my friend. ‘Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.’
I am so sorry to hear about Mikes passing. I got to know him thru Cessna and always enjoyed our conversations. He was a good man and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
How do you start? Mike was a great friend to me and everyone else. ‘Ray’ was the nick name that fit him so well for some reason. I guess every easy going man in the world has that name. That was Mike, as easy going as they come. When we were in college Mike and I worked together landscaping yards. It made hard work fun being with Mike. We found a way to laugh at most of our mistakes. We did have to laugh about almost losing his dog in a corn field next to the interstate one night while we were changing a flat tire. My stomach still hurts from that one. Stories about Ray are endless, and I, being one of many, will miss him dearly. When we saw each other last, at our 30 year high school reunion he gave me a very high complement. He said when he had a difficult decision to make he would always ask ‘what would Jeff do’. I will never forget that. In fact I think about that statement a lot, but that was typical of Mike, making others feel important. Little did I know it would be the last time I would see him. The thing I have tried to learn from Mike is how can I make someone smile today. I hope I can live up to his standard, because it was solid gold. Rest in peace friend, and may God be smiling back at you today. your pal, Jeff
I was shocked to read of Mike’s passing. I have worked with him for years at Cessna. We were both in IT together. I was thrilled with Lynette and Mike got married. Both wonderful people that seemed the perfect match. Mike always had a smile and often a joke and could make us laugh. That is a real gift especially in a serious work enviroment. Mike and I both transferred out of IT but remained at Cessna. I didn’t see him as much but still consider he and Lynette friends. Lynette, Please know I am thinking of you and your family! Love, Marsha
Words cannot make the hurt you are feeling go away. Mike never met a stranger and always took time to help those in need. During my last trip to Craig Allen’s,(Mike turned me on to Craig Allen’s) I was sitting in the waiting area and when I looked up, Mike was standing there with his hand extended. We visited for about 10 minutes. He was telling me how excited he was about his new job and offered any help he could give me at the Bend facility. Mike was always willing to help. The world is a much better place for having Mike in its presence, and I feel very priveledged to know and work with Mike. Knowing Mike has made me a better person. There is no doubt Mike is with God. May God bless, Rod Holter
Lynette, I am very sorry for your loss. I have no words, except that God must have been in need of a great person by his side. Take good care, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Lynette, Tiffany, Tyler, and Kendyll I’m so sad to read about the passing of Mike. God be with you all.