Donald Garrison

(From Midwest Funeral Services)

Donald Kent Garrison, 95 years old of Buffalo, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 1, 2024, surrounded by his family. Donald was born on March 9, 1929, to Ova and Nancy (McClurken) Garrison in Lead Mine, Missouri. 

During his life, Donald worked for Lawn Boy Factory in Lamar, Missouri, for 13 years before it closed. The remainder of Donald's career was spent at Fulton State Hospital, where he retired after 31 years of service.

In 1949, Donald married Doris “Nadine” (Jones) Garrison, and to this union, four children were born: Don “Kent”, Doris Lee, Dawayne Len, and Carmen. In 1970, Donald married his second wife, Barbara Carlyle, and to this union, three stepchildren were gained: Ron Carlyle, Linda Sheets, and Beverly Carlyle.

Throughout his life, Donald worked hard and had many interests. Aside from spending time at Bennett Springs, Donald frequently traveled to Lake Ozark, where he enjoyed camping and fishing. He also got a kick out of finding treasures at flea markets and yard sales. Playing cards with friends or family and watching television Westerns with a dog on his lap were some of his favorite past times. Of the many hobbies he delighted in, coon hunting was his most treasured past time. This hobby led him to being featured several times in Full Cry Magazine due to the trophies he received from coon hunting competitions.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Ova and Nancy (McClurken) Garrison; siblings, Edd Garrison (Ruth), Tommy Garrison (Betty), Irene Bonner (Dee), Clara Belle Smith (Claun), Margie O’Brien, Jody Beebe, and Thelma Asher; one son, Don “Kent” Garrison; two sons-in-law, Duane M. Cochran, Jr. and Robert E. Riddell, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Eva Arzola; and his two stepdaughters, Beverly Carlyle and Linda Sheets. Donald was also preceded in death by his first wife, Doris “Nadine” (Jones) Garrison and by his second wife, Barbara Carlyle.

He is survived by his three children, Doris Garrison, Dawayne Len Garrison (Doddie Boss), and Carmen (Garrison) Cochran-Krissinger (Larry); ten grandchildren, Misty (Summers) Joseph, Joshua Summers, Michael Cochran, Scott Cochran (Tiffany), Leah (Cochran) Parsons (Matt), Phillip Krissinger (Emilee), Victoria (Riddell) Ramirez (Alan), Jonathan Cantu, John Louis Garrison (Alissa), and Don Kent Garrison (Shelby); 17 great grandchildren, Ricky Cochran, Cody Cochran, Megan Cochran, Alyssa Cochran, Jacob Cochran, Aubree Krissinger, David Parsons, Eleanor Garrison, Gatlin Garrison, Olivia Garrison, Miranda Stuart, Emma Nadine Stuart, Alan “Christopher” Ramirez, Martina Joseph, Loretta Joseph, Hank Joseph, and George Joseph; and three great-great grandchildren, Everleigh Mae Joseph, Baylee Carmen Griffith, and Bryar Fern Cochran. Donald is also survived by one stepson, Ron Carlyle (Linda); four step grandchildren, Vanessa Sheets-Fairchild Lemons, Emily Warren, Katie Carlyle, and Jason Carlyle; seven step great grandchildren, Brandon Carlyle, Cameron Carlyle, Jayne Carlyle, Keyonna Warren, Michael Fairchild, Danielle Fairchild, and Logan James; and three step great-great grandchildren, Keyair, M.J., and Keeley. As well as numerous extended family and friends.

He left us with beautiful memories which we will cherish forever.

Donald will be laid to rest at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, Missouri.