Laurel Jacob Garman (Gar) was born September 19, 1942, in Orville, Ohio to Jacob and Irene (Brown) Garman. He was raised in the North Lawrence, Ohio area. He passed away July 15, 2022, in Lowry City, Missouri.
At the age of 12, Gar went to live on a dairy farm, where he helped milk cows and do other chores.
He graduated from Smithville High School where he excelled in football and track, receiving a track scholarship to Otterbein College where he studied Physical Education and English. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Byler, and to this marriage two children were born. Later, Gar received his master’s degree at Southern Illinois University, where he also coached track and was the assistant coach for football.
Gar married Donetta (Smith) Garman in 1987, and Gar became the father to Sheridan Garman (Neeman) and Jeremy Garman.
Gar has led a full life which included coaching, selling insurance, being a motivational speaker, owning businesses, writing books, being a reporter and a sports editor, being a private investigator, breaking and training horses, playing international Rugby, riding broncs in the PRCA rodeo, and many, many other things.
He also left countless children with the advice, “All dogs bite, all guns are loaded and all horses kick.” And offended many men by saying they were the thorn between roses.
However, his favorite career was being the pastor at Round Prairie Baptist Church in rural Appleton City, Missouri, for 16 years. He served as chaplain at several facilities and was anxious to share his faith with others.
Gar is survived by his wife, Donetta Garman of the home, Gary Garman of Thornton, Colorado, Jacquie Love (Jay) of Odessa, Missouri, Sheridan Garman-Neeman (Scott) and Jeremy Garman (Crystal) of Loraine, Illinois. He also leaves behind grandchildren: Jake Mann (Rhiannon), Connor Boisen (Kaitlyn) and Kyle Boisen, Amber Burnett, Lydia Neeman, Emmaline Garman, Emory Neeman, Xander Garman, Juliette Garman and Adalynn Garman and great grandchildren: Zoe, and Jacob Mann, and Harper Kern.
He is also survived by a brother Neil Garman (Mary) and Luanna Power.
Gar was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister, Rowena Baughman.
He leaves behind countless friends, nieces, nephews and memories, and he will be greatly missed.
Condolences(8)-
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Jean Lyke says
July 18, 2022 at 11:37 amDonetta and Family – so sorry about the loss of your loved one. Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.
Elizabeth Cox says
July 18, 2022 at 4:53 pmDonetta, I’m so very sorry. I know you have many wonderful memories…I’m sending love and prayers to and your family.
Lisa Rae dorrell says
July 18, 2022 at 10:03 pmOhh I SO Hate to hear he has passed on. I only met him a few times since we moved here but he was someone you WOULD NOT forget !! Heaven got quite a Character and will keep them all entertained !! He WILL be MISSED !
Pam O’Banion says
July 18, 2022 at 10:26 pmDonetta, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear husband. I feel blessed that I was able to get to
know Gar some in his final months. He was always so kind and I will remember fondly our card games and conversations. He always referred to you as “my Donetta.” His love for you was abundant! I pray you find peace in knowing that he is waiting for you on the other side. Much love, Pam
Roger Korth says
July 19, 2022 at 8:28 amFarewell old sage of the Osage. Your red bandanna will be missed along with your tales.
Richard Lance says
July 19, 2022 at 5:08 pmLaurel and I went to school together and were good friends for many years. Sorry to say, we lost track of each other long ago, but I still have fond memories of my neighborhood best buddy. My deepest sympathy to the Garman family.
Richard Lance
SHS Class 1960
Barbara Ann Maurer Lindeman says
July 20, 2022 at 7:07 amLaurel and I both grew up in Wayne County, Ohio, graduated the same year, and attended Otterbein together. My condolences to his family.
Pat Engelhardt says
July 22, 2022 at 1:40 pmSure enjoyed knowing Gar(Red Neck) Will miss his comments and smiling face. Our condolences to Donnetta and children Pat and Peggy Engelhardt
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