Tommy Lee Garner

Tommy Lee Garner, 56, of Grand Junction, CO passed away suddenly from a heart attack after spending the day doing what he loved most, fishing on his boat and getting his lines crossed with his partner of 4 years, Trixy Hayes. 

Tom was born in Montrose, Co in 1967 to Wanda Kay (Kellerby) Heer and Raymond Ryder. Tom was raised in Montrose by Kay and Michael Leroy Garner. He spent his time growing up stirring up trouble with his best friend, Lindsey Passmore and all of the other boys in the group and was a great protector of his sister. Tom graduated from Montrose High School in 1986 and attended University Technical Institute for diesel technology, graduating in July 1987. 

In July of 1990, he welcomed his only daughter, Chantel. Tom was the dad that showed up for all the games he could, never missed a weekend and taught her about the outdoors, cars and mostly how important it was to be tough. When she welcomed her daughters, they too became his whole world. Sunday breakfast with Papas was one of the most important parts of their life for many years.

Tom was one of the hardest working men out there, he spent many years working for Pepsi Co., driving truck and wrenching. During his life, Tom enjoyed riding dirt bikes, camping, fixing anything and most of all fishing on his boat (his pride and joy). Recently he discovered how important taking a real vacation is. He went on his first cruise in the Spring of 2024 with his partner, Trixy. He finally got to experience touching the ocean and had the best week of his life actually getting to relax. He was looking forward to many more vacations with Trixy. He recently began working with his brother, Kevin, and was enjoying spending quality time in the shop and going to the mountains on their side-by-sides together. 

Tom will always be remembered for his laugh and you would never forget a story he told you, because he would tell you again. He was the guy you would call if you ever needed anything, to work on a project, to be saved, to fix your car, you name it, he was going to be there.

Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents and his dad Michael Leroy Garner. He is survived by his mom Wanda Kay (Junior) Heer, his brother Kevin Garner, his sister Michell (Mike) Kelly, daughter Chantel (Martin) Landeros and grandchildren Tatyanna, Nayeli, and Hadley, his nephews Willie Creel and Randy Garner, niece Brittnay (David) Crockett and great nephew Jace. 

Our family would like to invite anyone and everyone who can join us for a Celebration of Life for my dad, Tom Garner, on September 15th from 1pm to 4pm at the Redlands Community Center. 2463 Broadway, Grand Junction, CO 81507 

We will begin by sharing memories and stories about him. We will then honor him with a shot and a beer and welcome you to stay until 4pm.

 We will be enjoying all of his favorite foods, so come hungry. If you want more to drink, please bring your own. 

Please you this link to share any photos you have of him: dropevent.com/top63988