Bill R. Garrison

Bill Ralph Garrison, 84, of St. Joseph passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on January 14, 2007. A Time of Sharing & Remembrance will be held at 4:00 P.M on Thursday, January 17, 2008, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Devon Allen officiating. Friends and Family may call 3:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M. on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to Hospice At Home or to the family. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Bill was born on April 3, 1923 in St. Joseph to Harold and Emma (Stockwell) Garrison. Upon graduating high school he entered the United States Navy serving in World War II. While serving in the Navy, Bill survived the sinking of the U.S.S Lansdale in the Atlantic Ocean near Gibralter. He earned the Purple Heart along with various combat metals and ribbons of honor. After serving in the military, Bill worked at Whirlpool Corporation for 23 years as a “Cool Line” Service Technician. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed sailing, hunting, fishing and golfing. Bill was a happy person and he had a great sense of humor with a very recognizable laugh. He especially appreciated the time spent with his grandkids and great-grand kids. Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, M. Jean (Taylor) Garrison, his loving sons, William (Gail) Garrison of Cincinatti, OH and Kenneth (Iris) Garrison of St. Joseph; his grandchildren, Christopher Garrison, Kimberly Guthrie, Kelly Smith, Corinne Garrison, and Michael Garrison; and 10 great grandchildren and brother Mike (Dee) Garrison. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Garrison.