Howard “Scott” Garner (73) of Republic, Missouri, went to be with Jesus Monday, July13. He was born April 18, 1947 in Pisgah, Arkansas to Joe Herman and Lidy Vernice (Wilson) Garner.
Scott was raised in Shreveport, Louisiana but returned to Arkansas in his high school junior year and graduated from Delight High School in 1965. He attended Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas then transferred to Central Bible College, Springfield, Missouri earning a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and graduated in 1970. Scott met the love of his life while at CBC, Marjorie Sooter, and they married August 10, 1968 and were blessed with three daughters: Sondra, Sarah, and Susan.

Scott and Marge pastored Bethel Assembly of God, Chillicothe, Missouri; Assembly of God, Orrick, Missouri; First Assembly of God, Ewing, Missouri; Galatia Assembly of God, Norfork, Arkansas; First Assembly of God, Republic, Missouri (Associate/Youth); and, Spring Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Dunnegan, Missouri. Scott also served as the Assemblies of God Northern Missouri D-CAP (District Youth Director) in the 1970s.

After 20 years of service at the Assemblies of God headquarters in Springfield, Scott retired in April 2014; then, full-time retirement from pastoral ministry in July 2020. His last sermon message was Trust and Blessings.

Scott enjoyed the outdoors: camping, fishing, hiking, and a rafting trip through Royal Gorge, He and Marge camped 15 days and toured Alaska. Most of all he enjoyed riding his bicycle to raise funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He rode the MS 150 Ride (riding 150 miles in 2 days) for 27 years. On good days, he could ride 100 miles! He also rode the “Hotter than Hell” ride in western Texas several times when riders rode 100 miles and the heat was 100 degrees.

Scott never knew a stranger. Everyone he met was asked the question, “Where you from?” He loved people, all people from all walks of life. He never found fault in anyone and if someone had an undesirable attitude, he would simply say, “They’ve had a rough day.”

The girls grew up playing board games with dad and it was he who taught them the principle of “play to win.” If you lose, try harder next time. This principle and value was passed through our growing family.

Scott is survived by his wife, Marjorie and three daughters: Sondra Kay Peck and husband, (Robert) of Walnut Grove; Sarah Jane Ivaska and husband (John) of Springfield; and Susan Janelle Ellsworth and husband (Chuck) of Harrisonville. Six grandchildren: Joshua Peck and wife (Hannah), Bethany Ivaska Garcia and husband (John) Courtney Ivaska; Sarah E Ivaska; Jordan Ellsworth; and, Danielle Ellsworth. Three great-grandchildren: Bryce Lee Peck, Colton Scott Peck, and Elliana Paige Garcia. Two brothers: Ronald Garner and wife (Florence) of Conway, Arkansas; Wayne Garner of Delight, Arkansas; and, one sister, Carolyn Dougan and husband (Richard) of El Dorado, Arkansas; and, a sister-in-law, Kay Garner of Delight, Arkansas; plus nieces, nephews, a host of relatives and many many friends.

Scott was preceded in death by his father, Joe Herman; his mother, Lidy Vernice; and a brother, Jerry.

Services will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 East Seminole, Springfield, Missouri. Visitation is scheduled Friday, July 17 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm; and then 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm with the family. The funeral service is scheduled Saturday, July 18 at 2:00 pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Reverend Thomas Trask and Reverend Doug Clay will officiate the service.

A Christian flag will be presented to the family from the Southern Missouri District Council of the Assemblies of God by Reverend Don Miller, district superintendent. Interment will be at Greenlawn North Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.