Robert Dixon Garner
February 3, 1946- May 20, 2020
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Bob Garner of Huntingtown, Maryland, died peacefully at home due to complications from Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia, which he fought valiantly for three years. Born in Prince Frederick, Maryland, to Orville and Ellen Dixon Garner, he was the second of six children, all of whom spent their youth in the Dowell area.
After high school, he became the first midshipman from the county appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1969 and being commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. A naval aviator, he primarily flew the CH-46 Sea Knight (aka “Phrog”), but also operated many other aircraft as a flight instructor. Following numerous deployments to the Mediterranean, Bob (call sign “Hippo”) assumed command of HMM-264 in New River, North Carolina. He transitioned to the acquisition world and became program manager of the V-22 tilt-rotor Osprey, shepherding it from termination by the administration back to life and its transition into production. After 28 years of service and retirement from the USMC as a Colonel of Marines, he joined the team of FLIR, Inc., and returned to his native Calvert County, ultimately becoming a substitute teacher, focusing on Calvert and Windy Hill Middle Schools. In addition to teaching and coaching girls’ softball, Bob enjoyed woodworking, being outdoors, swapping stories and celebrating his Celtic heritage at various highland games.
Bob’s wife of 33 years, Chris Stelloh-Garner, and his mother Ellen are among his survivors, as are his siblings Bud and wife Cula, Ben and wife Pilar, SueEllen, and Jayne and husband Perry Hatch. His youngest brother, David, died at birth. Uncle Tilden Garner, who was like a brother, survives him along with his wife, Diann; as do his uncle Bill Dixon and wife Diane. Children from his first marriage to Ann Burgess also survive him: R. Chris and wife Meg, their children Ben and Everett; and Eric and wife Stephanie. Additional family include his brother- and sister-in-law, Ren and Toni Stelloh; and borrowed children Kevin and Lynne Tucker, along with their family: Deb and Nate Kolb, their sons Lincoln and Tristan; Audrey Tucker and mate Andrew Stray; and Brad Tucker. Bob also is survived by numerous other relatives and friends.
The jungle is now quiet, and Hippo is at peace. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date, once it’s safe to move about in public again. Should you care to make a contribution in his memory, please consider Calvert Hospice, PO Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678; or Calvert Marine Museum, PO Box 97, Solomons, MD 20688. Semper Fidelis.
Visitation
Services
- Private
No Services Available
Interment
Contributions
Calvert Hospice
P.O. Box 838
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-0892
Our hearts are broken but we are so honored and blessed to have loved Bob. Heaven has gained not only a terrific new storyteller but the kindest man we know. Thank you for your love which you so generously shared.
A life well lived with family and friends. Blessings to all whose lives Bob touched. Semper Fi.
I am so sorry for your loss. We are going to miss seeing him at the Mt Hope Convenient center. He was loved very much
What a man! What a Marine! Rest in peace, brother. You rate it, for a Corps and Country very well served. I salute you; I thank you.
May your friends and family find comfort in the memory of your extraordinary life and service.
Semper Fidelis
Rest in Peace Robert. So proud of all you have done for our country. I am also proud to be a part of the Garner family.
Bob,
Rest well buddy, friend, classmate, teammate. There will be a time in the not to distant future where we will all be able to share Tall Tails and reminisce about great deeds in lives well lived.
Rest well,
Charlie Rush
I have considered Bob to be my closest friend since rooming with him at the Naval Academy. We each had many other friends of course, but for me there was never anyone quite like Bob. He was unique and I will never forget him. Semper Fidelis, my friend.
Steve Brixey
My condolences for Bob’s passing. We were platoon mates at The (Marine Corps) Basic School at Quantico in 1969 [picture attached; bob is in top row 5th from left]. So I mostly knew Bob during training and experienced/ survived, among other events, the night compass march, ten mile run in combat boots, the double obstacle course running and hours in the classroom. As he went off to flight school and I to infantry duty, we lost touch but I will always remember and respect him.
Was my flight instructor and one of the best Marines I ever knew. RIP Semper Fi. Ozone
Loved you and the Garner clan. To all our many family get-togethers and trust there will be more.
Our condolences for Col Garner/Mr. Bob’s passing. We are hoping and praying you will find strength and comfort in the warm memories of the beautiful life that has passed. In our hearts, nothing beautiful is ever forgotten. He will be missed. We love you Ms. Chris and will keep you and the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob was a stalwart man who did not waver from the faithful and true path. He had a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. Plus he was an excellent judge of fine wine and beer.
I am so sorry for your loss Chris. Although I did not know Bob, I know how happy you were and love the yearly Christmas cards that keep me connected. My love and sympathy go out to you and your family.