Melvin L. Garrison

WASHINGTON – Melvin L. Garrison, 86, of Washington, died at 10:57 am Friday, January 9, 2009 at Proctor Hospital in Peoria, IL. Born on June 5, 1922 in Huzzah, MO to Alfred “Pappy” and Nettie Harper Garrison, he married June M. Lee on September 15, 1946 in Potosi, MO. She preceded him in death on August 24, 2006 in Peoria. Surviving is 1 daughter, Helen Garrison of Washington, IL, 2 sons, Jerry W. Garrison of Ashland, MT and Terry L. Garrison of Sheridan, WY; 4 sisters, Mildred (Paul) Pennock of East Peoria, IL, Delma Garrison and Norma (Calvin) Fowler, both of Bourbon, MO, and Bettie (Randy) Deverger of Bowling Green, MO; 5 grandchildren, Laura (Thad) Powell of Washington, IL, Robyn (Tim West) McMaster of Belleville, IL, Sandra (Brice) Beyer of Ashland, MT, Gregory Garrison of Peoria, IL and James (Misty) Garrison of Sheridan, WY; and 8 great-grandchildren, Geoffery, Anna, Sarah, Wesley, Evelyn, Edward, Thomas, and Katie, whom he dearly loved. Melvin was a US Army veteran serving during World War II. He worked for Caterpillar Tractor Co. for 35 years, working in the machine shop training course, scheduling, and work standards, as well as the time study at Building KK in the Mossville Engine Plant before his retirement in 1983. Melvin had also served as Cubmaster for Pack 205 in Sunnyland for many years. He was a “Jack of All Trades,” and a master of all, using his Caterpillar D-2 tractor to help build the Glad Tidings Assembly of God church in East Peoria where he was a member. He touched many lives in his 40 years at the church. Local Services will be at 11 AM Saturday, January 17 at Glad Tidings Assembly of God in East Peoria. The Rev. A. E. Cope, Rev. Thaddeus Powell, and Rev. Fred Doughty will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30-11 AM at the church. Deiters Funeral Home in Washington is in charge of local arrangements. Additional services will be at 3:30 PM on Sunday, January 18 at the First Assembly of God Church in Bourbon, MO. The Rev. J. Allie Baker and Rev. Thaddeus Powell will officiate. Visitation will be from 2-3:30 PM on Sunday at the church. Burial will follow at Bourbon Cemetery in Bourbon, MO, where military rites will be accorded. Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO is assisting with these arrangements.

Melvin L. Garrison

June 5, 1922 - January 9, 2009