Dr. Garner Pewewardy entered his heavenly home on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at the age of 89. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Monday, April 18, at Olivet Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Palmer officiating. The service may be viewed live at Olivet Baptist Church | Facebook . Garner will also be celebrated at a funeral service in his hometown at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 19, at Petarsy Mission United Methodist Church, Elgin with Tina Baker and Martina Minthorn officiating. He will be laid to rest at Otipoby Comanche Cemetery with military honors presented by the U.S. Navy and the Comanche Indian Veterans Association. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Saturday 12-8 p.m., and Sunday 1-6 p.m.

The son of Ella "Nuh-Nuh-Tsi" Pewewardy was born February 22, 1933, in Elgin. Garner graduated from Lawton High School, and entered the U.S. Navy in 1952. He proudly served his country during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During Garner's 20 years of service he served on the USS Laws from 1953-56, the USS Jefferson County from 1957-58, the USS Ranger from 1961-66, and the USS Mac Donough from 1966-67. After his retirement from the Navy, Garner continued his education at Oklahoma State University and then Penn State. He graduated from OSU in 1975 with his bachelor's degree, 1978 with his master's degree, and in 1992 he graduated with his doctorate in education from Penn State. Garner's passion was learning and sharing knowledge. He enjoyed engaging in a good debate, and extensively shared his philosophical views with others. Garner taught at several schools including Oklahoma State University, Penn State, Tse' Yi' Gai High School in New Mexico, and Tulsa Vo-Tech where he taught electrical wiring. Garner cherished hearing about the successes of many of his former students.

On July 1, 1957, Garner married Betty Jean Poolaw; and they adopted a son, Gary Iven Pewewardy. Betty passed away in 1997. Garner found love again with Doris Elaine (Patterson) Churchill. They were married on January 1, 2000, at Calvary Heights Temple, Tulsa; and they made their home in Sand Springs.

Garner was a 32nd degree mason, and a member of Olivet Baptist Church. He was a devout and faithful follower of Christ, and read his Bible regularly. He was soft spoken, but determined and adamant about his beliefs.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Betty; son, Gary in December 2021; mother, Ella in 2001; and brother, Wesley Pewewardy in 2020.

Survivors include his wife, Doris; daughter, Kameron Torix and husband, Darrell of Sperry; daughter-in-law, Mary Vandever Pewewardy of Cleveland; grandchildren: Landrey Pewewardy, Dallas Pewewardy, Logan Luttrell, Lanie Smith, Lora Lemoine, Ella Kay Pewewardy, and Nathan Torix; and great-grandchildren: Levi, Kayleanne, McKynlee, Maverick, Kyara, and Kiernen.

Leave your memories of Garner and view his tribute online at www.mogro.co.