Bloomington – Noble "Bo" Emanuel Garner, 83, of Bloomington, passed away at his residence with his family by his side on January 7, 2014.

Noble was born February 16, 1930 in Beech Grove, Arkansas the son of Telfair and Gladys Faulkner Garner. He was the eighth of nine children and remained close to his family throughout their lives.

He married Rosemary Travis, the love of his life, on November 19, 1955 in East Peoria. Noble and Rosemary were blessed with 58 years of marriage and together they raised three children in an atmosphere of love and humor. She survives in Bloomington surrounded by her adoring family.

Also surviving are their children; Lorine (Michael) Rust, Dennis (Lara) Garner, and Jenna (Robert) Massa all of Bloomington; grandchildren; Jason "Cody" Rust, Emma Rust, and Dakota Cisco; great-granddaughter, Jacey Lee Rust, sisters; Elrena Rodgers of Jonesboro, Arkansas and Jenna Mays of Little Rock, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews who were very special to him.

Noble was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving in the Korean Conflict. He supported his family as a plate inspector for Caterpillar where he retired after 30 years. He remained busy during his retirement by working as a handyman and continuing to garden which was his favorite pastime.

Noble lived his life on his own terms based on his principles and beliefs. He taught his family to love God, country and each other. His family always knew how important they were to Noble and how proud he was of them. Every day there was an expression of love and gratitude for the blessing of family.

Noble loved meeting and getting to know people, always open, friendly, and giving to others with no thought of any return to him.

In his later years as his daily life was more restricted to his home, he delighted in making Sunday roasts and chocolate chip cookies for his family. He was truly a blessing to those who knew him and will be missed until we are reunited in Heaven.

He enjoyed attending Bible Baptist Church in Bloomington. A memorial service will be held at 2:30pm, Saturday, January 11, 2014 at the church located at 804 Four Seasons Road. Pastor Todd Harrison will be officiating. Friends may greet the family from 1:00-2:30 on Saturday prior to the service.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to Bible Baptist Church, Bloomington or Wounded Warriors Project.