Wilmer Alfred “Gary” Garrison

Wilmer Alfred “Gary” Garrison, age 87, passed away January 11, 2018 in Charleston, Illinois. Wilmer was born on July 23, 1930 in Catawissa, PA to Harold and C. Alverta (Strausser) Garrison. He grew up in Rohrsburg and graduated from Benton High School. Wilmer moved to Philadelphia where he earned a degree in engineering from Philadelphia Textile College. In 1951, he married Charlotte Matter and they were blessed with four children: William, Janet, James and Susan.  In 1981 Wilmer married Joye Strausser. They lived in Catawissa, PA. After Joye’s death in 2009, Wilmer moved to Charleston, Il to be near his daughter Susan's family.
 
Wilmer worked for several companies as an engineer. He worked as a welder and was self employed in home improvements and furnace repair.  He enjoyed fixing things.  He loved music and liked to sing and play the guitar. He was a man of strong faith who was a member of the Otterbein Methodist Church in Charleston, IL.
 
Wilmer is survived by his four children: William (Priscilla) Garrison of Warminster, PA; Janet Chiocchi of Lincoln, NE; James (Donna) Garrison of West End, NC; Susan (Craig) Banyai of Charleston, Il; sister Elaine (Dale) Bangs of Gilbertsville, PA; seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews. 
 
Preceded in death by his parents, wife Joye, sister Betty Hummel, and son-in-law John Chiocchi. 
 
Private graveside services at the Rohrsburg Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., Benton.  For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website:  www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com
 

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