Robert Lynn Garner

Robert Lynn Garner

1948 – 2023

Robert Lynn Garner, 74, died October 5, 2023 in Oklahoma City, OK.  He was born October 13, 1948 in Wichita Falls, TX to his loving parents Nora Imotha (Thomason) and Robert W. (Bob) Garner.

Robert grew up in Ardmore, OK after his family moved there when he was a young boy.  He graduated from Ardmore High School in 1967 then attended the University of Central Oklahoma (now UCO) in Edmond on an art scholarship.  Robert started drawing pictures when he was old enough to pick up a pencil and his artistic talent became his career.  After leaving college, Robert worked for a commercial art firm in Oklahoma City.

Garner, as most of his friends called him, was a free-spirited, fun loving person and it was that spirit that eventually took him to California where in lived in Lake Tahoe and Hermosa Beach. While in California, he perfected his talent of hand lettering professional signs. In 1982, Robert returned to Oklahoma and was self-employed as a commercial sign painter as well as designing logos and business artwork for clients.  His hand lettered signs became his artistic signature and he was known for this talent by his peers throughout the Oklahoma City area. He retired in 2020 but continued to hand paint signs and holiday greetings on business store fronts.

Claude Monet was Robert’s favorite artist and he never tired of looking at his paintings and impressions. Robert loved music and playing his guitar.  He was a long time Chicago Cub fan, a true “Cubby.”  One of his life’s highlights was going to a Cub’s home game at Wrigley Field.  He was also a Sooner fan and enjoyed all OU sports, but especially loved fall when the OU football team took the field.  Along his life’s journey, Robert moved to the beat of his own drum.  He spoke his mind freely and lived by his beliefs.  He knew something about everything.  His sense of humor and quick wit will be missed.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents; his brother in law, Ernie Chesshir and his nephew, Bradley Garner Chesshir.  He is survived by his sister, Patricia Chesshir of Edmond, OK; his niece, Ashley and her husband, Clint Jennings of Edmond, two great nieces and a great nephew, Jaley, Chasen and Avery Jennings. Robert leaves behind many lifelong friends and he considered their friendships some of his greatest treasures.

The family would like to thank Robert’s extended family and friends for their love and support these past months and a special thank you to his doctors, his dialysis teams and to the medical staff that recently treated and cared for Robert while at Baptist Integris Hospital.  May he rest in eternal peace.

The family has decided to have no services at this time.