Columbus, OH — Matthew Alan Garner, 64, of Gambier, Ohio, formerly of Radnor, died March 14, 2022, at OSU Ross Hospital after a long battle with heart disease.

Mr. Garner was born Dec. 16, 1957, to the late Ralph and Marilyn (Stone). He graduated from Grove City High School, class of 1976.

On Aug. 25, 1978, he married Connie Sue Linebaugh and she survives.

He began his career at the Delaware County Sherriff Department as a mounted deputy. In 1990 he became a full-time deputy, and he held several positions while there including weight enforcement division, warrant division and a road deputy. After 22 years of service, he retired in 2011.

Mr. Garner enjoyed spending time training and racing his Standardbreds. He was a member of the USTA and Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association.

One of his passions was playing Santa Claus for different organizations every year including the Prospect Lions Club.

Mr. Garner is survived by his wife, Connie; son, Jason (Carrie); daughter, Lindsey (Eric) Crist; grandchildren, Hunter (Nicole) Taylor, Brianna, Kaylee Crist, Gavin Crist, Noah Crist, Owen Crist and Adalynn Crist; brothers, Steve (Marian), David, John (Deneen), and Bob; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Furgeson and Sandy (Mark) Nemes; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and his special friends from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, James and Ralph (Marty); sister-in-law, Vickie; father-in-law, William Linebaugh; mother-in-law, Charlene Linebaugh; brother-in-law, John Salyer; and sister-in-law, Judith Salyer.

Memorial contributions may be made to “Shop With A Cop,” in care of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, 149 N. Sandusky St., Delaware, OH 43015, or Venmo to Jason Garner@122979.