Charles Edward Garrison's Obituary
Charles Edward Garrison
March 12, 1935 - October 19, 2014
Our dear, cherished Charlie passed away quietly in his own home, surrounded by family in the early morning of October 19, 2014.
Born on the family farm in Gilman, Illinois on March 12, 1935 to Pearl Edworthy Garrison and Edward Garrison, he was the youngest of four children who all predeceased him: Peg(Ivan)Condit, Barbara(George)Hoffman and
Wilbert "Bud"(Ina) Garrison.
He was raised in Gilman and attended Grob Country School until his mother passed away in September 1942. He and his dad moved to Kankakee to live with his mother's sister, Jessie Ward, for the next 3 years before returning to the family farm. His father, Edward Garrison passed away suddenly on February 25, 1949. His oldest sister Peg and husband Ivan lovingly raised him on the family farm along with their three daughters, Judy, Jo, and Joyce. They were like siblings, as well as his nieces, and continued to be a loving and cherished part of his life.
He attended Gilman High School where he was the yearbook editor, active in sports and graduated in 1953. A mentor and friend, Mary "Coz" Cosner, was influential in encouraging Charles to enroll at Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois in the fall of 1953. His years at Blackburn were filled with much joy and feelings of accomplishment He was chosen to be a member of the work committee, which was the highest, non-academic honor at the college. As a junior he was elected vice-president of his class, and president of the Literary Club. Then he was chosen to be the feature editor of the school newspaper, "The Blackburnian". He loved being part of the Track Team and the 100-yd dash was his favorite with his best time clocked at 10.6. He majored in English and History and graduated in 1957.
In September of 1957 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and took his Basic Training at Ft Carson, Colorado. After that he was transferred to Ft Holabird in Maryland where he trained for Army Counter Intelligence. He served three years at Ft McClellan, Alabama, and was honorably discharged with the Good Conduct Medal. Charles later enrolled at the U of Illinois in the master's program for school counseling. He was recruited by Tacoma Public Schools in the early 60's and moved West to take his first counseling position at Truman Junior High School for three years before being transferred to Gray Junior High School, where he continued as school counselor until his retirement in 1991.
It was while working at Gray that he met the love of his life, Marilyn Berg Bentley. They married in March of 1991, but had been soul mates since 1973. They enjoyed spending quiet time together, camping and sharing that love with Marilyn's five children from a previous marriage (Cindy, Steven, Jane, Andrew and John). We all have many fond memories of family camping trips to Banks Lake and later Steam Boat Rock State Park, as well as trips to the Cle Elum River and Lake and Mt St Helens, sometimes driving his beloved '68 Bronco and also "Big Brown", the International pickup truck he personally outfitted with a camping canopy. We would often take the kayak that he made (from a kit) with us on these trips.
Charlie was an outstanding human on so many levels. He was always optimistic and kind to all. Words fall short in describing how much he was loved and how he returned that love. He had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious smile.
He touched the lives of so many and had a gentle way of making people feel welcome and loved.
He loved ham, hot dogs with sweet pickles, Pepsi One, apple fritters, doughnuts, cherry pie with strawberry ice cream and chocolate-covered ice cream bars. He often enjoyed these treats while watching one of his favorite TV programs, NCIS.
He had many physical challenges as the years went by, starting with prostate cancer, and he faced each and every one with a positive attitude and never a complaint. Hospital nurses, doctors, his Hospice Team and especially his nurse Cathy, called him the "Comeback Kid". His devoted wife was with him every step of the journey, and took absolutely wonderful care of him.
He is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn, his daughter Bobbi(Scott) Laten and stepchildren Cindy(David), Steven(Susie), Jane, Andrew(Lynnette), John(Marketa), and 12 grandchildren: Mallory, Zachary, Alyssa, Samouel, Taylor, Kelcey, Noah, Etienne, Gabrielle, Alexandra, Garrett and Sarah. Survivors also include his dear nieces, Judy, Jo, and Joyce and their families.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be mailed to Blackburn College -% Alumni Dept 700 College Ave. Carlinville, IL 62626
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