Eugene "Cooney" Garton

Eugene “Cooney” Garton, age 80, of Sumner, passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at his home.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 15, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home, Brookfield.

Memorials payable to Lakeside Cemetery can be left at or mailed to Wright Funeral Home, P.O. Box 496, Brookfield, MO 64628.

Eugene Clark was born April 24, 1942, in Sumner, MO, the son of Joseph Paul and Abbie Eunice (Clark) Garton.

Eugene was a union electrician and a retired member of the IBEW Local 124 for over 50 years. He was a 1961 graduate of the Northwestern School and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and traveling. He had visited all 50 states, plus Mexico and Canada. He and his son spent many summers road- tripping across the United States. He even used to own his own plane!  He was considered a Winter Texan and enjoyed many warm months there each season. Eugene was known for tinkering and repairing all kinds of things in his home and garage. 

He was actually the 3rd generation to be called Cooney. Though he didn't coon hunt, he did make the name very well known by building a grocery store for the community where the Cooney's special sandwich was made and still sold today. Cooney's greatest legacy will live on not in the store or the sandwich, but in the lives of his grandchildren and family and all those who got to spend some time getting to know him. 

His roots in the community run deep and even though he made a career as a union electrician working all over the US, he would always return home to enjoy the simple country lifestyle with friends and family. He was a great son, brother, dad, and Grandpa Cooney, and in his last days he called upon the name of Jesus which brings peace to the whole family.

Survivors include his son Joseph Garton II, and his wife Briana, and their two children, Wake and Saylor of Hale, Eugene was also blessed to have four bonus children, Ronnie Mann, Travis Mann, Carl Bennett, and Casey (Bennett) Alvarez. As well as several beloved in-laws and extended family.  

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Deloris Garton.

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.  II Corinthians 5:8

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