Joe P. Garrison, 88, died September 3, at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses.
He was born September 14, 1936, to Paul and Mona (Raines) Garrison.
Joe grew up in Monett, Mo., until the eighth grade. His family then moved to Ulysses, where he graduated from Grant County Rural High School in 1954.
He married the love of his life, Wilma O’Neal, March 6, 1955, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted 70 years.
A natural athlete, Joe enjoyed playing football and basketball during his school years and later shared his love of sports by coaching Little League Baseball. He also enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren in their sporting activities.
Throughout his working years, he was employed at the Magnolia Petroleum Plant, Redi-Mix Concrete, and Plateau Gas Company, ultimately retiring from Pioneer Electric as an Engineering Manager after 32 years.
Joe’s faith in Jesus was central to his life. As an active member of the First Baptist Church—now known as Community Baptist Church—he served faithfully as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and song leader. In later years he also enjoyed sharing the ministry of Gideons International in area churches and schools.
Beyond his work and church service, Joe found joy in simple pleasures like fishing and especially hunting for treasures at garage sales around town.
Joe is survived by his wife, Wilma; children: Donna (Tim) Sullivan, Wichita, Kan.; Jody (Patty) Garrison, Paola, Kan.; Joel Kent (Sue) Garrison, Spokane, Wash.; Dianne (Jimmy) Williams, Eva, Okla., and Jeremy Garrison, Ulysses; brother, Jack (Sondra) Garrison, Hudson, Ohio; sisters: Gail Reed, Wheaton, Mo.; Cynthia Morgan, Jonesboro, Ark., and Carol Adams, Oak Grove, Ark.; brother-in-law, Richard Whitmore, Colorado Springs, Colo.; and sister-in-law, Vivian Bohannon, Cookeville, Tenn.; 12 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Garrison and Mona Lamberson; stepfather, Clay Lamberson; brothers: James Garrison, Ted Garrison and Donnie Howard; and five sisters-in-law.
Visitation was from 2-8 p.m., Friday, September 5, at Garnand Funeral Home.
Funeral service took place at 3 p.m., Saturday, September 6, at Community Baptist Church in Ulysses, with Pastor Steve Swann, Jr. officiating.
Interment followed at the Ulysses Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Gideon International in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, Kansas 67880.
Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
