John Denmon Garner, Sr. John Denmon Garner, Sr., age 90, beloved husband, brother, father, friend, teacher and coach – child of God — passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at Northern Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston, Louisiana. He was affectionately known as “Denmon”. “Coach”, or “Lefty.” Funeral services will be at Temple Baptist Church on Monday, May 21, 2012, at 10:30 AM under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home, Ruston. Visitation will be held at Temple Baptist Church from 6 PM until 8 PM on Sunday, May 20, 2012 and also from 9:30 AM until 10:15 AM on Monday, May 21, 2012. Dr. Rick Byargeon and Rev. Dale Oden will officiate. Interment, following the service, will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Ruston. Pallbearers will be: Leon Barmore, Bill Belding, Bill Cox, Edwin Davis, Jackson Thigpen, and John J. Rey, III. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Smelley, Mark and Sandy Carpenter, and the members and teachers of the Robert Davis Adult IV Sunday School Class of Temple Baptist Church. Mr. Garner was born June 6, 1921, in Chatham, Louisiana, to A.D. and Clarice Garner. He graduated from Chatham High School, Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts, and LSU with a Masters of Education. He earned additional hours at the University of Colorado. Survivors include his devoted wife of 69 years, Carolyn Brooks Garner, son John D. Garner Jr. and wife Pamela of West Monroe, son Steven L. Garner and wife Lisa of Canyon Lake, Texas, and his sister Wilma P. Carpenter, West Monroe. Other survivors include four grandchildren: Stephanie Garner, Mary Virginia Carter and husband Greg, Ben Garner, of Enid, Oklahoma and Kent Garner of Canyon Lake, Texas, currently serving with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, also, step-grandchildren John J. Rey, III of West Monroe; Jennifer Rey Gaudreau and husband Dan of Aurora, Colorado; Alex Robinson of Canyon Lake, Texas; and Megan Evans of Houston, Texas. Great grandchildren are Caleah and Charlee Mae Carter of Enid. Step-great grandchildren are Mary Jo and Alex Rey of Hopewell, Virginia; Logan Gaudreau of Aurora, Colorado; and Derek Honeman of Canyon Lake, Texas. Mr. Garner is survived by nieces Diana Thomas, Wanda Musselwhite, Denese Grubbs, nephews Ronny and Mark Carpenter, and many other relatives and friends. During World War II, Mr. Garner served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force where he flew B24's. Following the war, he completed his education and began teaching and coaching in Simsboro High School. He came to Ruston High School in 1953 where he taught algebra and geometry. He coached baseball, tennis, and basketball, coaching three men's teams to win the state basketball championship. Following his teaching/coaching career, Mr. Garner moved to the Lincoln Parish School Board Office, where he was responsible for school transportation, child welfare, and attendance, as well as other duties. Mr. Garner was active in the community, including Temple Baptist Church, The Lion's Club where he was named “Lion of the Year” for 1984-85, Louisiana Tech Lettermen, ESGR Employer Support for Guard and Reserve, and Louisiana Retired Teachers Association. Planned memorial gifts may be made to Temple Baptist Church and/or the Robert Davis Adult IV Sunday School Class, the Louisiana Baptist Children's home, or the giver's choice.