Charles Garver

Charles Payne “Charlie” Garver passed away at his home in Wortham, Texas on March 14, 2020 at the age of 103.  He was born February 2, 1917 in Ardmore, Oklahoma to Eugene and Edna Tuttle Garver, the oldest of seven children.  As a young man, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corp, a company that was contracted by the Army to build dams; he was involved in building numerous dams all over the country.  Charlie lived the majority of his life doing what he truly enjoyed, ranching, in addition to driving a school bus in New Mexico for 40 years.

It was easy to see, by the way Charlie lived his life, that he loved the Lord, his family and cared deeply for the well-being of others.  He always enjoyed being surrounded by family, especially, his grandchildren.  Whenever possible, he and his wife, Norma, enjoyed traveling and seeing the sights of  God’s beautiful country.

Charlie began working at the early age of 10, scrubbing the floor at a local bank earning five cents a day.  After acquiring his ranch, he taught his grandson to drive a tractor and many other necessities of farming, also at an early age; they developed a bond that has lasted throughout their lives.   Charlie, also, had the opportunity to mentor to numerous young men that worked for him on the ranch.

Charlie was a man of many notable characteristics, a true Southern Gentleman, a man with a wonderful sense of humor, very sharp and pride even until his health began failing in recent years.  He was very blessed with good health until approximately 1 ½ years ago, never took medicine until then and still maintained a good mind until his departure from this earth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Edna Garver; his first wife, Lucille Garver; son, Webster Garver; and siblings, Floyd, Joseph and Bill Garver and Pauline Bunny.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Norma Garver of Wortham; daughter, Bonnie Haptonstall of Colorado; grandchildren, Brenda Wilson, Frank Garver, Sherry Sheaman, Darrin Haptonstall and Bryan Haptonstall; 10 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister, Mary Albaugh of California; brother, Neal Garver; and a host of other relatives.

There will be a visitation on Thursday, March 19, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.  A service to celebrate Charlie’s life will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Loren Quick officiating.   A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Dalhart, Texas.  Pallbearers will be Frank Garver, Mark Denton, Arnold Price, Leland Earl, Kenneth Earl and Bryan Rienstein.