The West Plains Area Dugout Club has announced a special memorial gift honoring the life and legacy of Roger Garner, a cherished teacher, coach, veteran, and mentor whose impact on generations of students continues to resonate throughout the community. Thanks to a generous gift from Garner’s family, the Grizzly Baseball First Base Dugout will now bear his name as a tribute to his lifelong dedication to education, sportsmanship, and service. Garner, a West Plains native, was a standout multi-sport athlete and an avid supporter of both baseball and basketball. After attending the Residence Center (now Missouri State University–West Plains), he was drafted into the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard during the Vietnam War. His Navy years strengthened his love of teamwork and competition, and he often spoke fondly of playing on the ship’s basketball team and the friendships built during that time. Upon returning home, Roger earned his teaching degree from Missouri State University (then SMS) and went on to influence countless young people as both an educator and a coach. Known for his patience, kindness, and commitment to his students, he taught lessons that extended far beyond the classroom. Over the years, he coached or assisted with nearly every sport — from basketball and baseball to girls’ softball and golf. Even in retirement, Roger never stopped supporting athletics. He remained a familiar face at Grizzly games in West Plains and later at Missouri State University sporting events in Springfield, rarely missing a Bears or Lady Bears game. The dedication of the first base dugout stands as a meaningful reminder of Roger Garner’s enduring legacy and the many lives he touched through his passion for teaching, coaching, and community.
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