Longtime IHSAA Official Passes Away; Local Schools Pay Tribute

Monday, January 24, 2022 at 12:03 PM

Our condolences to the Garner family.

Hugh Garner. Photo via Madison Chapel.

(Madison, Ind.) – A Madison man who dedicated his life to public service has died.

Hugh Garner passed away Friday at his home in Madison at the age of 67. Garner had been battling an aggressive form of cancer after being unexpectedly diagnosed in late December.

Garner was raised in Lawrenceburg and Switzerland County, graduating from Switzerland County High School in 1972.

He began his career in EMS with Switzerland County Emergency Unit in 1972. He would eventually serve as the EMS education coordinator for Jackson County EMS, retiring after 30 years in August of 2021.

On the day of his passing, the Indiana State EMS Office recognized Garner at the EMS Commission meeting for his nearly 50 years of service by making him the first person awarded the Emeritus Award and the State EMS Director’s Award.

One of his top accomplishments was developing the first EMT course at Ivy Tech Community College in 1985. He served at the college part-time as a course coordinator and instructor.

However, Garner was perhaps best known for serving as a sports official with the IHSAA from 1978 to 2022.

He officiated basketball, softball, baseball, volleyball, track and cross country.

After learning of his death, several area schools paid tribute to Garner by turning on the lights at various ballfields.

Visitation for Garner will take place on Wednesday, January 26 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Madison Assembly of God Church, 1636 Clifty Drive.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Life Assembly of God (Missions Fund), Bedford, Kentucky, or Relay for Life of Jefferson County, Indiana.

Lights on for Hugh at Lawrenceburg! One of the best to ever do it. We'll miss your smile, humor and most of all the love to help young athletes. Thank You Hugh! pic.twitter.com/H8zPW1yWb2
— LHSTigersAthletics (@LburgTigers) January 23, 2022

#RIPHughGarner pic.twitter.com/70rPQh6ekT
— Rising Sun Shiners (@rsshiners) January 23, 2022

Milan softball field is lit up tonight in honor of a man that spent many nights away from his own family to support student athletes around the state. Thanks Hugh for all that you did for the kids. #RIPHughGarner pic.twitter.com/aBmTsUt9gi
— Milan Athletics (@MilanAthletics) January 23, 2022