James Dwight Garner

James Dwight Garner, 49, of New Paris, died Thursday morning, December 18, 2008, at Goshen General Hospital.  He had been ill since Friday night, December 12. He was born in Elkhart on February 16, 1959, to J.D. and Judy (Laird) Garner.  He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1977.  He volunteered as a 4-H Leader in the Horse Club.  He loved his grandchildren and family. Mr. Garner was owner, operator and horse trainer of Garner Quarter Horses in New Paris.  He had also worked at Selmer’s in Elkhart and Garner Pools in New Paris. He is survived by his parents, J.D. and Judy Garner of New Paris; his wife, Christine Roberts; his companion, Sheryl VanDyke; a daughter, Carissa (Chad) Metzger of New Paris; a son, Skyler Garner of Elkhart; two grandsons, Clayton and Blake Metzger; and his companion’s three daughters and granddaughter, Ashley and Brittany VanDyke of Mishawaka, and Cortney VanDyke of Elkhart, and Rielyn Goodwin.  Also surviving are a sister, Belinda (Brian) Clayton of New Paris; and three brothers, Michael Garner, Timothy Garner and Brett (Monica) Garner, all of New Paris and Rick Chapman of Constantine, Michigan. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Drew Metzger in March of 2005. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, December 20, and 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, December 21, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 22, 2008, funeral service will be conducted at New Paris Missionary Church.  Pastor David Hackney will officiate.  Burial will be in Whitehead Cemetery, New Paris.