Milton "Bud" George Garner

GARNER, Milton "Bud" George – Age 92, of Howell, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton. (The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed below Bud's obituary here.)  Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 AM until the time of service. A luncheon will immediately follow his funeral service at the Fenton VFW Post 3243, 1148 N. Leroy St., Fenton, MI 48430.

Those desiring may make contributions in Bud’s name to the USS Prichett DD561 Reunion Association (528 Mildred Ave, Wood River, IL 62095) or to a charity of your choice.

Bud was born on September 11, 1932, in Bolton, Mississippi, the son of Claude Wesley and Alice Regina (Hennegan) Garner. He attended Farmington High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War (1952-1956) aboard the USS Prichett (DD561). He married Karen Kay Litwin on April 23, 1966, in Southfield. Bud had lived in Howell since 1972, having previously resided in Farmington, MI. He worked for many years as a skilled carpenter and was a proud member of the Carpenters Union.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Karen; children Elaine (Curtis) Grech of Hartland, Gail McCoy of Howell, Michael Garner of Rochester, and Duane (Sophia) Garner of Brighton; grandchildren Jared (Courtney), Megan, Ellie, Eric, Leela, Dominic, Alaina, Jacob, Niklas, and Evan; sister Regina Erickson of Brighton; many nieces and nephews; and his son Kenneth Holthaus of Washington State.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Claude Wesley Jr., Hubert, Earl, and James Garner; Mary Varner; and Theresa Devine.

The world grew a little quieter, a little dimmer, with the passing of Bud. He was a rare soul—a true original. The kind of man they don’t make anymore. A legend whose absence you feel. A “who’s going to fill those shoes?” kind of man. And truthfully, no one can.

Bud lived with a strength and joy that was unmistakable. He was a hard worker through and through—the kind of man who could fix just about anything with his hands: machines, fences, hearts, you name it. But beneath that strength was a resilient, patient, and endlessly silly spirit. He could find laughter in nearly anything, and his smile—always ready, always genuine—reflected how deeply he loved life and his family.

He met the world with quiet grace and unshakable optimism. Bud didn’t need to say much to make an impact. His actions spoke volumes: a helping hand, a shared laugh, a job well done. And always, always, a twinkle in his eye that let you know he was enjoying every minute of the ride.

He leaves behind a legacy not only of love and laughter, but of character—the kind that’s etched into the lives he touched. To know Bud was to know kindness, strength, humor, and the kind of calm you only find in someone who truly understood what matters most.

Bud will be deeply missed and forever remembered. The world will never be quite the same without him—but those lucky enough to have known him will carry his light forward.