Eddie Garland

The following is an obituary written by Eddie’s loving family. 

Edward “Eddie” Herman Garland, known to many simply as “Eddie” and lovingly as “G-Man”, passed away unexpectedly on September 18, 2025. He was born on July 20, 1962, in Lebanon, Indiana, to Ed and Rita Garland, who preceded him in death. Also gone before him are his brother, Steve Garland, and an infant brother.

Eddie’s life was a story of grit and determination. Even though he didn’t graduate from high school, he proved that success can be built on dedication and hard work. After leaving school, Eddie went to work for Rudy Myers at Smitty’s Gas Station in Lizton, where he worked on vehicles. It was during this time that he began his business journey, founding Garland Trucking in 1993, with just a single axle. Over the years, Eddie grew his business into a respected operation, eventually upgrading to a tri-axle and had “the best gravel spread in the world”.

Eddie was a Peterbilt man, a Ford man, and above all, a dump truck man. Dump trucking wasn’t just his job — it was his passion. He spent his days “rocking the world” and took pride in making sure anyone who asked for a load got it as soon as possible. Eddie was, in the words of those who knew him best, “the king of dump trucking”.

Beyond his work, Eddie was a man of heart and loyalty. He had a special bond with his sister — a friendship that went far beyond family ties. She was his closest companion, always there to cook his cheesy eggs and apple pie, run errands, care for his dogs, and keep his world running smoothly. Eddie had a way of teasing her endlessly, but she never gave up on him, and she will forever miss their nightly phone calls that usually started with his playful questions, “You out of bed?” or, “Are you asleep?”

Eddie never knew a stranger — his network extended ten counties wide, making him unofficially the “Mayor of Lizton”. If you met him once, he made you feel like you had known him your whole life. The world lost one heck of a guy — a man with a heart bigger than life itself, a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and lived fully.

Eddie is survived by the sons he raised, William (Laura) and Ricky; his granddaughter, Lydia; his sisters, Deborah Ann Garland and Rebecca Sue Garland Rhude; his brother, Rodney William Garland; his uncle, Floyd Garland; his aunt, Loretta Garland; and a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends who will miss him dearly.

Friends and family will gather for visitation on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 2pm to 8pm, at Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro, Indiana. Another visitation will follow on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 11am to 1pm, with the funeral service beginning at 1pm, also at the funeral home. Eddie will be laid to rest in K of P Cemetery in Lizton, Indiana, following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Davita Dialysis’s foundation, Bridge of Life. 

All are encouraged to keep Eddie’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time of loss.