Richard Garrison

Richard Dean Garrison was born the son of Jess Garrison and Alpha (Williams) Garrison on July 31, 1939, in Myrtle, Missouri, and departed this life on February 9, 2017, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 77 years.

He was united in marriage on May 28, 1960 in Saddle, Arkansas to Jewell Powell.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Jewell Garrison of the home near Myrtle, Missouri; one daughter, Kimberly O’Neill and husband, Fred of Myrtle, Missouri; two grandchildren, Garrison “Alex” O’Neill and wife, Kylie, of Thayer, Missouri and Jessica O’Neill of Myrtle, Missouri; one great grandchild, Ansley Layke O’Neill of Thayer; one brother, Joe Garrison, and wife, Teresa and one sister, Dorris Summers and husband, James, all of Myrtle, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Arliss Powell and wife, Patricia of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; four nephews, Dwayne, Mike, Justin and Wade; three nieces, Deanna, Kristin and Aminta; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Alpha Garrison; two infant sisters, Jessilee and Patricia Garrison, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arvy and Elva (Hall) Powell.

Richard was a farmer at heart. His first job was working in a sale barn and he later owned and operated a milk route. After college he taught math and science, and served as a counselor and high school principal at Couch School. His next job was teaching in the West Plains School System before becoming high school principal at Thayer.

He was later employed by the Bank of Thayer where he served as vice president and loan officer. He also was co-owner of Steed Trucking with Butch Steed. Along with Fred O’Neill and Tim Garrison, Richard was instrumental in the beginning of Myrtle Fertilizer.
Even though he was involved in many jobs in his life, he always “ran a few old cows”, which was his true life passion. Throughout his lifetime of many pursuits, he made many friends that lasted a lifetime.

Richard was baptized and became a Christian in January 1961 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He often reminded his family and friends that our “main purpose in life is getting ready for our home in heaven”. Richard was loved by his family and friends and will truly be missed by all.

Funeral services for Richard Garrison, age 77, of Myrtle Missouri, will be held Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Thayer Church of Christ with Arvil Hill Officiating.

Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.