William "Bill" Garten

William “Bill” Milo Garten, age 83, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away April 10, 2026, at Medicalodges of Nevada in Nevada, Missouri.

Bill was born January 18, 1943, in Maryville, Missouri, to Romaine F. Garten and Laura Marie (Ashford) Garten. He graduated from Maryville High School in Maryville, Missouri.

Bill dedicated many years of his career as a mechanic for Trans World Airlines (TWA) in Kansas City, Missouri. After moving his family to Lamar, he pursued his passion for automobiles by owning and operating Speed Merchants, an automotive restoration shop, as well as A-1 Mufflers. Bill had a deep love for classic cars and could often be found attending car shows and swap meets, where he enjoyed sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. He was also a member of the Lamar Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include four daughters, Jeni Garten (Kenny Cox) and Kelly White (Mark), both of Lamar, Missouri, Shelly Howard of Winfield, Missouri, and Sherry Burkhammer of Kansas City, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, Lyndsey Gruber Chatfield, Kyle Gruber, Taylor Howard, Katlyne Howard Hoelscher, Daniel Howard, Brooke White Brewer, Luke White, Zachary Griffith, Nicholas Burkhammer, Haden Garten, and Brandon Garten; as well as fourteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Mark Garten; grandson, Grant Broughton; sister, Laura Garten Penton-Williams; and brother, Robert Garten.

A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com