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Motivated, inspirational, and disciplined… Ryan Garner embodied these characteristics to the fullest. One who embraced monumental challenge with vigor, he welcomed life’s difficult paths. Ryan lived with cancer. It did not define who he was or overtake his spirit, and to the amazement of medical professionals, his family and friends, Ryan never quit. He knew the difference between giving up and letting go, and Ryan never gave up.
Saturday evening May 5, 2018, Ryan D. Garner, son, brother, police officer and trusted friend, died while in the trenches fighting cancer.
The son of David and Sheila Miller Garner, Ryan was born Oct.1, 1984, in Bellefontaine. He grew up in Ontario. A beautiful boy with a sense of humor and wonderful smile, always active, Ryan wrestled and played soccer for Ontario. In 2003 he graduated from Ontario High School, and continued his education earning an associate’s degree in criminal justice from North Central State College. Early in his career as a police officer, Ryan worked for the Fostoria Police Department. For the past 10 years, Ryan served for the Mansfield Police Department before retirement. He served on the K-9 and SWAT units.
Athletic and active, Ryan lifted weights and practiced mixed martial arts. The definition of lionhearted is exceptionally brave and courageous.
Ryan earned that title. Six months ago, Ryan performed 220 pullups in 60 minutes after recovering from a broken back. A task often unachievable by someone in good health, Ryan extends this challenge to anyone who is willing to accept.
He often worked through what he’d call “discomfort” (Ryan never spoke the word pain; it simply wasn’t in his vocabulary). All he wanted to do was get back to work; to work alongside his brothers and sisters in blue. Ryan’s sheer grit and mental toughness inspired not only his family and friends, but also his circle of physicians that were treating his cancer. He felt it was his responsibility and duty not to quit.
Ryan is survived by his parents, David P. and Sheila Garner of Ontario; brother and sister-in-law David K. and Erica Garner and nieces, Audrey and Elena all of Delaware; paternal grandmother ,Patricia J. Bush of Newark; cousin, Cody F. Miller; and uncle, Richard Bringardner.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James M. Garner and Alfred and Virginia “Fern” Miller.
The Garner family would like to extend a special thanks to the very close circle of friends, numerous medical teams and brothers and sisters in blue who offered unbelievable support.
Calling is from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 10, in the Snyder Funeral Home, 2553 Lexington Ave., Mansfield. Funeral services celebrating the life of Ryan D. Garner begin at 11 a.m. Friday, May 11, in Berean Baptist Church, 2145 Middle Bellville Road, Mansfield. Pastor Mark Dettmer officiates and burial follows in Mansfield Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers. memorial contributions to the Richland County Humane Society may be made through the funeral home.
To leave a message of condolence or to view Ryan’s tribute video, visit snyderfuneralhomes.com
In the midst of incredible stress and hardship, through God’s strength, Ryan REFUSED TO TAP.