Albert A. “Buster” Garing, 87, of Kentland, passed away at 2:09 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. 

  He was born August 12, 1933 in Benton County, Indiana to the late Leo A. & Marie E. (Bessler) Garing and was a 1951 graduate of Chalmers High School. 

  Mr. Garing was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean Conflict in December of 1953.  Buster was stationed in the US during his time in service, lastly serving in Alaska where he was a records clerk.  He was honorably discharged in December of 1955. 

  His marriage of 67 years was to Helen E. Bower on November 28, 1953 at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Goodland; she survives. 

  Mr. Garing was a member of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, the Holy Name Society and the Kentland American Legion. 

  Buster farmed for over 70 years in the Kentland area.  He started farming with his father and loved it ever since.  He was a farmer to the core.  Family, faith and farming truly were the things he valued most.   

  When not farming, Buster enjoyed carpentry and playing Euchre.  A favorite family memory was grandpa teaching his grandchildren to play poker and shoot pool.   

  Surviving with his wife Helen are their children, Michael Garing (wife: Sharon) of Kentland, Lynne Di Fabio of Lafayette, Lisa Jefvert (husband: Mark) of Earl Park and Joseph Garing (wife: Alisa) of Kentland; siblings, Francis Garing (wife: Phyllis) of Lafayette, Richard “Dick” Garing of Santee, SC, Marsha Miiller (husband: Gene) and Marlene Sondgerath of Kentland, a brother-in-law, Wayne Mathew and a sister-in-law, Barbara Garing of Kentland.  Buster loved spending time with his family, especially his 9 grandchildren, Kimberly, Kristin, Timothy, Andrew, Scott, Megan, Thomas, Brian and Emily and his 11 great-grandchildren. 

  Preceding him in death with his parents are two brothers, Harry and Robert “Bob” Garing; a sister, Marilyn Mathew; a brother-in-law, Tom Sondgerath; a sister-in-law, Louise Garing and a son-in-law, Paul Di Fabio. 

  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Kentland; Fr. Robert Bernotas to officiate.  For those unable to attend, the funeral Mass for Mr. Garing will be recorded and available to view shortly after the service by visiting Buster’s memorial page on the funeral home website.  Interment to follow in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery of Goodland. 

  Memorials may be made to South Newton Elementary or the Covenant Federated Christian Church Food Pantry in Kentland. 

  Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.  Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com