Joel "Joe" "Little Joe" R Garver

Joel (aka “Joe” Shorty”, “Little Joe”) Richard Garver, 90, of Troy Twp, OH, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, October 23rd, 2023 at the Ohman Family Living at Briar. He was born in Marion, OH on January 25th, 1933 to the late Lester and Elaine (Baker) Garver. Joe later married the love of his life and best friend, Mary Lou Whitlam on June 18th, 1960.

He grew up in Mt. Gilead, Ohio and graduated from Mt. Gilead High School in 1951. While in high school, Joe was a Boy Scout and received the Order of the Arrow. Joe then attended Ohio State University before deciding to work for the Mt. Gilead Parks Division. In time, he was transferred to Punderson State Park in Geauga County.

After a few years, Joe began working as an operator and finish roller at Cary-Ziegler Excavating, A.J. Ronyak, and Shloss Paving. Joe retired as an operating engineer after 44 years in Local #18.   

Joe loved being in the woods hunting and trapping. He especially liked to help with any nuisance trapping. Joe also enjoyed reading and had a large library at home. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association, an Endowment Life Member of the Patriot Level Member of the National Rifle Association, and Life Member of the Ohio Trappers Association.

He served as the Assistant Scout Master of the Troy Twp Troop and enjoyed taking his troop to Pennsylvania for survival hiking and camping trips.  

Joe will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Lou; son, Rick (Adelle) Garver; grandsons, Shane (Sarah) Garver, Devon (Carol) Garver; great-grandsons, Colton and Caden Garver; and many friends. 

He is preceded in death by: his parents, granddaughter, Amanda Garver; sister, Diana Williams; and brother-in-law, James Williams; nephew, Brad Slane; and great-niece, Lauren Slane. 

PER JOE’S WISHES, A PRIVATE CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE HELD AT A LATER DATE. 

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