James David Garner

James David Garner, 73, of Lexington, Missouri passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Liberty Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at First Baptist Church 525 S. Business Hwy 13, Lexington, Missouri 64067. A memorial service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the church. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Higginsville Veterans Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church Youth Group or St. Luke Evangelical Free Church Youth Group. Memories of James and condolences for his family may be shared at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South Street, Lexington, Missouri 64067, 660-259-2245.

James was born on May 26, 1953, in Lexington, Missouri to Isaac David and Ruth (Twitchell) Garner. He grew up in a home filled with love and valued education, graduating from Lexington High School in 1971. James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, enlisting on August 1, 1973, and achieving the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge on August 16, 1975. Following his military service, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Missouri and dedicated over 30 years to the Department of Housing and Urban Development as an information technology and systems administrator, where he was both respected and admired by colleagues. A man of deep faith, James was a devoted deacon and cherished member of the First Baptist Church in Lexington. His commitment to his church community was an integral part of his life, and he enjoyed engaging in Bible study and sharing his love for history, particularly the rich heritage of Lexington and the Baptist history coming to the US. James had a passion for genealogy and dedicated much of his time to preserving the history of his church and community. In his spare time, James found joy in tinkering with computers, completing word searches, woodworking, and nurturing his love for history.

James is survived by three children, Amanda Travis of Lexington, MO, Justin Garner of Chicago, IL and Natalie (Matthew) Truax of Excelsior Springs, MO; three additional bonus children, Adam (Jamee) Riekhof of Grain Valley, MO, Amy (Brad) Summers of St. Louis, MO and Nicole Riekhof of Lexington, MO; twelve grandchildren, Matthew Travis, Andrew Travis, Emma Truax, Edward Traux, Elias Traux, Eric Traux, Ella Riekhof, June Riekhof, August Summers, Darrie Summers, Henry Summers, and Graham Summers; two sisters, Sharon (Bill) Arth of Richmond, MO and Ruthie O’Donnell of Warrensburg, MO; two brothers, John Paul (Kim) Garner of Lexington, MO and Dan (Suzanne) Garner of Holden, MO; his former wife and caretaker, Julie Riekhof; one brother-in-law, David Gooseman; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

James was preceded in death by both his parents and a sister, Esther Gooseman and brother-in-law, Chuck O’Donnell.