Clarence Garner

Clarence (Gizz) Garner, 88, of Greeley, CO, passed away on November 27, 2016 at Tru Hospice of Northern Colorado in Greeley. He was born on September 14, 1928 to Tulles and Lorena (Hightower) Garner in Milliken, CO. Clarence was raised by his grandmother, Anna Hightower and his Uncle Glen Hightower. Clarence graduated from Milliken High School in 1946. He married Margaret Pickering in 1948 and they had two sons, Keith and Kevin. They later divorced, but remained friends for life. He married Alice Spackman and together they operated several pet stores in Greeley. After Alice’s death he re-connected with an old friend, Joan Hightower and they were married. She was his traveling companion until her death. Clarence will be remembered for his love of animals, especially cats, dogs and donkeys. He was a world-champion horseshoe pitcher and bowler. Clarence is survived by his sons, Keith (Sherril) Garner and Kevin (Cherie) Garner; grandsons, Zach, Jason and Michael Garner and their families; step-children; Marvin, Bob and Dusty Mosness; Ronald and Robert Hightower, Rhonda Moore and Victoria Steele (deceased) and their families. He is also survived by his special friend Mae Cogburn of Evans. He will be missed by all the friends he made while bowling and pitching horseshoes, as well as his "restaurant friends” from the Paragon and Country Inn. A Celebration of Life will be held on December 9th, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Northern Colorado Crematory. A reception will follow thereafter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tru Hospice of Northern Colorado or Long Hopes Donkey Shelter of Bennett, Colorado in care of the Crematory.