John Nance Garner

1931 ∼ 2013

John Nance Garner

John Nance Garner January 1, 1931 - October 20, 2013

John "Cowboy John" Nance Garner, 82, of Port Arthur, Texas passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2013 at his home. He was born in San Antonio, Texas on January 1, 1931 to Marie and Ted Garner. He attended Arkansas Tech. John served in the Army with the Armed Forces Radio Service in Korea and Japan for 3 years. Prior to joining KJAC-TV he spent 3 ½ years at KCMC-TV in Texarkana, where he established a highly successful children's show. In 1957 at KJAC he hosted the popular children's show, The Circle 4 Club and became "Cowboy John". After 23 years, left Channel 4 and joined First Bank and Trust in Groves in Public Relations for 8 years, then went to KOLE radio. He was a past member of the Noon Sertoma Club and the Confederate Air Force. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Bill and Jim Garner. John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sue Wolford Garner of Port Arthur, Texas, his daughters, Tara Garner of Austin, Texas and Jennifer Dean and husband Roger of Nederland, Texas, sons, Joseph Garner and wife Lisa of Nederland, Texas and Bill Garner of Nederland, Texas, one grandson, Cody Garner of Nederland, Texas, great granddaughter, Kenadi Garner of Nederland, Texas, two step grandchildren, John and Shelby both of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Mary Wolford of Crosby, Texas, Melissa Rojo of Austin, Texas, brothers-in-law, Carroll Wolford and wife Laquita of Dallas, Texas, Kenneth Wolford of Orangefield, Texas, Kurt Wolford and wife Lynn of Mauriceville, Texas as well as a host of nieces and nephews and his Best Friend and co-host of Circle 4 Club, John Stevens, Sr. aka "Black Bart". Special Thank you to Dr. Randolph for his generosity and to his staff for all their support also Odyssey Hospice and all the nurses for their loving care and to all the good friends that were always giving their time. A Public Memorial service will be at 7:00 PM Thursday, October 22, 2013 at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home with a special friend, Rev. David Edwards, officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5 PM until service time at the funeral home. Arrangements for cremation are entrusted to Clayton Thompson Funeral Directors in Groves. In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to American Cancer Society for Pancreatic Cancer Research or to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas.

Condolences

Don Lackey October 21, 2016
Light up heaven and may your great and gentle spirit look down and help protect us ... til we meet again ... RIP.
Birdie Selk October 19, 2016
I ALWAYS LOVED YOUR COWBOY JOHN SHOW. RIP AND MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
Sally Robinson Montague October 19, 2016
I offer my sympathy and prayers to the entire Garner family. My late husband, Ed Robinson, worked for ten years with John at KJAC and counted him as a good friend. Everybody loved "Cowboy John"!
Morris S, Arnold August 8, 2015
Good evening, I worked with John at KCMC-TV in Texarkana in 1956 when he was Cowboy John, He was such a warm person and true gentleman and I''m so very sorry for your loss, All best, Buzz
Rosalind Gillespie July 23, 2014
I remember you when I was little and watched your show all the time. You will be missed but you are in the memories and hearts of those who grew up watching your show.
Donald Savoie October 26, 2013
Cowboy John, thank you for all of the memories. I loved you and Black Bart and your wonderful show. R.I.P. My friend, now you can go to the big roundup in Heaven.
Ruby {Mrs. Jingles} Ransonette October 25, 2013
The Ransonette family has your family in our prayers. We of course knew "Cowboy John" through my husband Red "Jingles The Clown" Ransonette. Our kids so enjoyed being on John's show. Red always talked highly of Johnny. I am sure they are both entertaining the kids in Heaven. May God be with you and the family at this time of sorrow.
Wanda James Rowley October 23, 2013
Sue and family; May god bless you and your family and my prayers are with you and your family. Wanda James Rowley
Sue Haver October 23, 2013
I remember Cowboy John as one of the very first television personalities I ever watched. We didn't have a TV, so I would watch at my grandparents house, at a time when it was completely safe for children to watch. I remember trying to not ever miss the Circle 4 Club, and always wished I could be on with Cowboy John. We lived in Louisiana, and Port Arthur may as well have been in another country. I do have fond memories. God bless you, family. May you have peace and comfort that only comes from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jana (Denison) Baur October 23, 2013
Prayers for the entire family at this time. Though I did not know him personally, I did attend school with his son's Bill and Joey. May God's Love touch and heal you all.
Rev. Fr. David Edwards October 23, 2013
I and the community of southeast Texas have lost a good friend and a man who was "colorful" and was an active part of the Golden Triangle. He was a great communicator through his work in the local media by way of television and radio. Cowboy John was one of those figures that is undeniably part of the history of the Golden Triangle. I honor Cowboy because he took a chance on me in the radio business and that field of work led eventually to the priesthood. May God grant eternal rest to my good friend Cowboy John and may God in his mercy console his family and friends in their time of sorrow. Ride off into the sunset Cowboy and ride towards the dawn of a new life with God in Heaven...+++
Troy Premeaux October 23, 2013
Our thoughts go out to "COWBOY JOHN"and his family, oh how we will miss his good nature. Troy. Troy Premeaux,CEO Montrose Patient Advocates,
Ashleydawn Sheppard October 23, 2013
Tara and Family- I'm so very sorry for your loss. Your father seemed like he lived a wonderful life filled with lots of love. All of us at work are thinking of you and we are with you in spirit.
Debby Saltzman October 23, 2013
I had the pleasure of knowing John, sadly only for a short period of time. In that time he was always humorous, so funny, always making me laugh. Sue I will always be there for you now and always. I love you so very much and my prayers go out to you Sue and Tara. Rest in Peace sweet John and I know you will be making all the kids in Heaven smile as you did here on Earth.
Sandra Womack October 23, 2013
Thanks for the wonderful childhood memories. I was one of Cowboy John's kids. RIP and thank you for your service in the US ARMY. To your family, may you all know how much Cowboy John was loved and the memories so many will treasure!! May God bless and comfort each of you!!
Tommy Knight October 22, 2013
Thanks for the memories
Martin Crouch October 22, 2013
I was one of Cowboy John kids on his about 1964 or 65. Will miss him. Martin Crouch age 55
Michael Moreno October 22, 2013
To the Garner Family... My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Billy, Joey, and Jennifer lived in my neighborhood for a while when we were kids. I had lots of fun hanging out with you guys. I have good memories from that time, and your dad was always so nice to let me tag along with all of you. Great memories...May he Rest in Peace. Michael Moreno
Sammy Graffagnino October 22, 2013
Remembering the good times....Rest in peace.
Deanna Domingue Louvier October 22, 2013
Thanks, Cowboy John, for all the happy memories. Rest in peace.
Sally Robinson Montague October 22, 2013
My family and I were saddened to hear about the passing of John Garner. He and my deceased husband, Ed Robinson, worked together on Ch. 4 for many years and were good friends. May the Lord continue to bless his wife and their family. My prayers and sympathy are with you all.
Pam & Billy Hussey October 22, 2013
Miss Sue and Cowboy John's family...I was so saddened to hear of my childhood hero's passing...He brought so much joy to so many children and even today, I have fond memories of Cowboy John & Black Bart...Thank you for sharing this wonderful soul w/us...Praying for Peace and strength for all of you, during this very difficult time...Thanks for the wonderful memories...
Brenda & Keith Slaughter October 22, 2013
Sue ,I know your loss is great but at the same time John is finally at peace.I only knew him a little while but he was always a gentleman.Now you need to take care of your self.I love ya girl , call me--Brenda
Ronnie And Becky Washburn October 22, 2013
Sue and Children, I am so sorry for your loss. I am so thankful for the best next door neighbors a girl could have. I used to tell the other children I lived next door to Cowboy John. They were impressed. Thanks for always being there for my parents. Rest in peace dear John.
Gerald Potts October 22, 2013
Thanks for the memories Cowboy John Rest in peace.
Vicki (Knobloch) Kirbow October 22, 2013
I was on your show several times. You will be missed. Saying prayers for your family You brought so much joy and memories of a lifetime to so many children.
Liz Garner Cox October 22, 2013
I will always remember Uncle John as a man who loved to make others laugh. Although we didn't spend a lot of time together since our families lived in different states, I have wonderful memories of the times we did get to spend together. I loved the way he made my Dad laugh!! I still have a box of cartoons that he drew for me during one of his visits to Arkansas. You all are in my prayers. Much love to you all!
Kimberly D. Miller October 22, 2013
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