Lonnie Garner-Sesser, IL

Lonnie Gale Garner, 72, of Sesser, Illinois was called home on July 25, 2023.

Lonnie was born on June 3, 1951, to Don and Barbara (McGovern) Garner of Sesser. Lonnie was a 1969 graduate of Sesser High School and loved participating in athletics while representing his community. On October 26, 1974, he married his best friend, Cheryl (Seiler) and they were married for just short of 49 years.

Together, they raised Laura Garner-Mayer, Craig Garner (Melodee), and Shane Garner (Bethany). Lonnie worked as a supervisor for Blue Bell in DuQuoin and as a coal miner for Monterey Coal. Lonnie was also a long-time member of Sesser First Baptist Church. He was so proud to be a husband, father, papa, and Red Devil. His family was his everything. Lonnie’s last words were to make sure that his babies knew that he loved them. Those babies were his grandchildren, Maty (Derek) Parvin, Jaycee (Logan) Giles, Haydon Mayer, Caleb Lewis, Cru Garner, Ellie Garner, Cala Garner, Waylen Giles, and Croix Garner.

Lonnie enjoyed going to ball games and spending time with his family. He often would force his children to listen to Beach Boys harmonies and Michael McDonald. He was so loved and will be missed by all who knew him. His legacy can be seen in the lives of his beloved family.

Lonnie is survived by his wife, kids, grandkids, sisters, his niece and nephew, and inlaws, Freddie and Carol Seiler. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Danny. In lieu of flowers, Lonnie would have loved donations to be made to Sesser-Valier Youth and Government or the Southern Illinois Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Funeral services for Lonnie will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Pastor Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will follow the funeral service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com