Philip Joseph Gantner, Jr. was born the son of Philip Joseph Gantner, Sr. and Margaret Lillian (Wright) Gantner on September 2, 1937 in Fayette, Missouri, and departed this life March 19, 2013 at his home in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas at the age of 75 years.
He was united in marriage on February 3, 1981 in Humble, Texas, to Barbara Kibby.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Gantner of the home in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; Crystal Beck and husband, Don of Charleston, South Carolina; one grandson, Joesph Olliff; one great grandson, Joseph Michael Olliff; one brother, William Edward Gantner and wife, Julie of Roundup, Montana; one sister, Mary Jane Bittle and husband, Delmar of Hemet, California; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Margaret Ann Baldwin.
Philip was Salutatorian of his high school graduation class in Fayette, Missouri. He was a former surveyor with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. After moving to Mammoth Spring, he and his wife, Barbara, owned and operated the Mammoth Spring Auction and Ozark Heritage Mall for several years. He was a former member of the Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce and enjoyed participating in the Solemn O’Judge Day plays and assisted with the Spring Fling Bed Race. Being a natural actor, he was in many of the productions presented by the Repertory Theater of the Ozarks.
Philip served in the Army National Guard. He loved his flower garden, growing vegetables and wood working.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will truly be missed by all.