How does one measure a man?

By his character, the values he believes in, the goodness in his heart, the neverending smile, the commitment to his family, and country, if one is talking about Capt. Mark Garner.

Since learning of Garner's death on Monday, Elkin residents, as well as those in Yadkin County, have expressed their sadness and heartfelt sympathy to the family of Capt. Garner.

Thursday evening, when his parents and sisters returned from Dover, Del., where Garner was brought back to the United States, community members, church members, friends, and family have surrounded the Garner's to show their support and express their sympathy.

"Mark was two years older than my son," Elkin mayor Lestine Hutchens said. "They played football together and were somewhat in the same group when the kids were dating. We watched (Garner) play football at Elkin High School, and watched Nickayla (Garner's widow) grow up. His mother has taught many of Elkin's children biology in school. Losing Mark feels like losing one of your own. The entire community knows this family and we can't imagine the pain Nickayla, his parents, and sisters are going through."

Countless calls have come in asking if arrangements have been made for Capt. Garner from people wishing to pay their respects to the family.

Funeral arrangements for Garner are as follows: A funeral procession will take place on Wednesday beginning at approximately 12 noon from the North Wilkesboro Airport, traveling NC Hwy 268 to North Bridge Street in Elkin, to Main Street, turning onto Memorial Park Drive to Hodges Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Friday evening at Elkin's First Baptist Church starting  at 6 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Elkin First Baptist Church, followed by a procession with Caisson to his internment in Hollywood Cemetery.

The family will be providing up to date developments regarding Mark's services at www.spivgroup.com.

"We're absolutely overwhelmed by the concern and love that the community has shown us," Beth Garner, Mark's mother said. "It's such an amazing community. Mark loved Elkin and the outpouring of support is just one of the reasons why. We have relatives here from such a distance away that are amazed at the support of the community. They've told us that this must really be such a special place and they are so right. The ribbons that have been put out, the calls, visits and concerns the community has shown is overwhelming. We are so thankful to everyone."

"Mark and I lived one street away from each other and grew up together since kindergarten," Dennis Burton said. "There was an entire group of us who played backyard football and driveway basketball together. Birthday parties at Mark's house were the best. There were epic basketball games on his asphalt pad. There were about 10 - 15 boys who enjoyed Mark's spring party.

We were high school friends and played football together," he said. "Mark was the best player on the team. On Friday nights when some of guys went out after the game, Mark was always there too. He was someone you always wanted to be around. Mark went off to West Point and I went to North Carolina State University in Raleigh. One New Year's Eve, Mark was home on leave with a fellow soldier and they came to visit me. Several of my college buddies joined me and most of them felt like they knew Mark from all the stories I had told them. Mark was one of those guys that everybody liked. It's been a few years since I'd seen him, but I'll never forget him."

Stories are told by many of Garner as a child and young man in Elkin, but Garner the man is someone his wife, Nickayla, wants the people of Elkin to know.

"Mark was an outstanding man," Nickayla Garnersaid. "When Mark attended West Point, he changed into an even better man and continued to grow and develop as a person. Attending West Point was quite an honor for Mark. He worked hard academically, physically and developed friendships at West Point. "

"Mark instantly made friends and gained respect from those he came into contact with," she said. "Mark valued people as a whole, it was one of his greatest assets."

The couple were soulmates many people throughout the community said.

"I absolutely adored him," Nickayla said. "We were so in love. I've seen people who are married that live together for 30 - 40 years and never experience the depth of love Mark and I had. We were only married for 5 1/2 years, but I feel like the luckiest person for having those years. I truly know what it was like to be adored by my husband and even though I'm suffering so much because of his loss I know that I will make it through because of his love. He helped turn me into the woman I am and helped give me confidence. We were absolutely smitten for each other."

"Mark was and adventurer," she said. "He would spend hours with his nose in travel books planning our next trip. On a weekend, we would jump in the car and travel to different countries. Mark visited 52 countries in 12 years, most of which I was a part of. His dream was to see the world. As a child, Mark read the encyclopedia's and was fascinated with learning the cultures of the world."

The Garners volunteered in the local capital German Museum, learning the language and contributing to the German society. They were the only Americans who had ever put their free time into this kind of community support of the museum. They also volunteered on the military base, giving of their time and energy to other soldiers and their families.

"Mark and I were known as the best party givers in the neighborhood," Nickayla said. "We were a team, team Garner and we were always looking out for our next adventure. We hosted low country shrimp boils and other dinner parties as often as we could. We were truly a happy couple."

The Garner's prepared for the possibilities that come with a military career and spent countless hours planning. Mark's love of Elkin and the community that supported him was very important to him. In planning for their future, Mark spoke to Nickayla of giving back to Elkin.

"When Mark chose his career path, we always knew there was a possibility of him being killed in combat," Nickayla said. "Mark felt very fortunate to have the opportunities he had growing up and being able to attend West Point. It was very important to him to provide an opportunity for another student at Elkin High School to get an education, travel the world and hopefully bring that education and knowledge back to Elkin and pass it on. It was Mark's wish to set up a scholarship at the high school for that purpose. We've created the Mark A. Garner Scholarship Fund for the purpose of providing an education to another Elkin student. In lieu of flowers or for anyone who wants to make a donation, checks can be made out to Captain Mark A. Garner Scholarship Fund and mailed to 105 Westover Drive, Elkin, NC 28621. We are fortunate to have renowned professional who will manage the scholarship and invest the fund for the future education of Elkin High School students."