OBITUARY

Name:    Merle Ray Garrison

From:  The Register-News, Mt. Vernon, Illinois
Date:  Sunday, August 6, 2006

Countryside resident Merle Garrison died Aug. 5, 2006 in Hinsdale Hospital.

He was born Feb 26, 1929, in Mt. Vernon, a son of William “Bill” and Gertie (Gregory) Garrison.  He married Grace (Minor) Garrison Oct. 4, 1951 in Effingham.

He was retired from Shell Oil Co. As a member of the Illinois National Guard unit in Mt. Vernon, he was called to active duty in 1952 and served in Korea.

He was a member of the LaGrange Congregational Jehovah’s Witnesses since April 1960.

He is survived by his wife Grace; two sons, Merle Ray and wife Paula of Henderson, Ky., and Fred “Bill” and wife Karen (Kopack) of Countryside; two grandchildren, Charles of Mississippi and Tara Lynn Garrison of Alsip; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by both parents, a brother Bobby “Pud” Garrison; two sisters, Pauline Bell and Jewel Chamberlain; and two infant brothers.

Per his request, his remains were cremated.  A memorial service is planned for a later date.