Major Keith Garner

Kenneth “Keith” Levon Garner, a beloved member of the Biloxi community, passed away at the age of 49 on January 9, 2025. 

He was a proud native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and dedicated his life to serving others. Keith earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, a Master's of Business Administration, and graduated from Northwestern University’s Leadership School, culminating his twenty-year career as a Major with the Biloxi Police Department. He was on the path to the FBI Academy, reflecting his commitment to public service.

During his career as a police officer, Keith held the positions of patrolman, patrol sergeant, patrol lieutenant, patrol captain, narcotics investigator, K-9 handler, commander of the sniper team, commander of emergency services, field training officer, major of administration, and oversaw the intelligence division. Keith has been honored with many awards and commendations while serving as a police officer with the Biloxi Police Department including the Medal of Valor, Distinguished Service Medal, Chief’s Award, and numerous Certificates and Letters of Commendation among other career distinctions.

Keith was not only a respected law enforcement officer but also a man of many passions. He was a member of the Police Benevolent Association. He also enjoyed reading, running, and playing his clarinet, occasionally performing with the Gulf Coast Orchestra. He cherished the simple pleasures of life, including his wife's delicious cooking, cheering for the Detroit Red Wings, enjoying a cold Guinness beer, and savoring Jamison whiskey while relaxing with a good cigar. Keith also enjoyed travelling internationally with his wife, Jeni, whom he married in Venice, Italy.

Keith is preceded in death by his father, Gary Garner, and his beloved grandparents, Ken Garner, as well as Hestle Levon Salter and Annie Salter. He is survived by his loving spouse, Jeannette Elizabeth Parker Garner ("Jeni"), his extended family, David Parker, Karen Parker, and Dr. Jason Parker, his mother, Rosa Rebecca Garner ("Becky"), his son, Joshua Andrew ("Drew") Garner, his sister, Sarah Bartos (Jan), his nephew, Kirk Bartos, his niece, Annie Bartos, and his grandmother, Dot Garner. His legacy of love, dedication, and service will be remembered by all who knew him.

Services will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Biloxi Civic Center located at 578 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi 39530, with visitation from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by a service beginning at 1:00 p.m. After the service a procession will leave the Biloxi Civic Center going to Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, Mississippi 39503. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a foundation to be established in Keith’s memory in the coming weeks.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi, is serving the family.