Marshall Wilson Garner, 66, died Monday, October 25, 2021 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff.
He was born December 7, 1954 in Rushville, Nebraska to Marshall Curtis and Edna Mae (Evans) Garner.
He spent his childhood learning everything he could from his father and grandfather on how to cowboy and was always looking for a prank to pull. His early grade school years were in Gordon, Nebraska where he earned his Eagle Scout. His family moved to a ranch and he attended the rest of his school years in Hyannis. He loved to wrestle and worked with the federation wrestlers.
He completed basic training for the Army and was honorably discharged in 1974. He then joined Burlington Northern Railroad, working until he was disabled on the job in 2004 and he retired in 2007. He was a proud patch member of the Road Motorcycle Club, earned the name Wildman and was devoted to being part of the brotherhood for 37 years. He was joined in marriage to Mari on November 1, 1985 in Hyannis. He was a volunteer firefighter and spent many years as fire chief until he suffered several strokes. After a miraculous recovery, he helped form a stroke survivor’s support group. Marshall became Cowboy Santa and found great joy bringing smiles to many faces. He helped form Cowboy fast draw Outlaws and Angels. He had recently been very proud to be enrolled with the Yankton Sioux Tribe.
He had a heart bigger than the state of Nebraska, a dear friend once said. He loved life, and had a philosophy to live life to the fullest. He loved his family and many friends, he was a great story teller, and will be missed greatly as he was a one of a kind man. You will forever be with us in our hearts, ride free Marshall!
Marshall is survived by his wife, Mari Garner of Hyannis; his children, Joshua (Angela) Garner of Torrington, WY, Jarvis Garner (Julie Thompson) of Gering, Maisie (Joshua) Petering of Alliance, and Marli (David) Anderson of Glenwood, IA; his siblings, Curtis (Colleen) Garner of Hemingford, Roxie (James) Evans of Bingham, Ginger Correll of Broken Bow, Robin Butrick (Dennis Thompson) of Lemoyne, and Ted Garner of Paxton; 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and many other loved ones.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hyannis Congregational Church. Mr. Richard Ogren will officiate. Burial with military rites will be held in the Hyannis Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Bates-Gould Chapel on Monday, November 1, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Memorials may be given to Sandhills Fire and Rescue or the Grant County Rescue Squad.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.