Elmer Eugene Garretson

Elmer Eugene Garretson, 93, of Topeka, passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at his home with his beloved family. He was born June 1, 1929, in a farmhouse on the bank of the Neosho River, near Strauss, Kansas. He was the first born of James and Mary Elizabeth Garretson. He was a man that loved and understood all Nature and his daughters are grateful that he passed that love of Nature on to them. He enlisted in the Army in 1948 and proudly served from 1948 – 1952 as a Corporal in the 398th Engineer Construction Battalion from Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. After attending numerous schools offered by the Army, he was sent to Okinawa to help construct the electrical grid to the Naha area. Elmer was also a proud member of the Masons and an avid bowler. He actively supported Junior Achievement by assisting with their bowling fundraiser. He was the maintenance engineer for Meadow Gold Dairy for 36 years and The United Methodist Home for 16 years. He drove the courtesy car for Doug Reichert Cadillac for several years.

Elmer married Bessie May Carnahan on March 4th, 1952 in Huntsville, AR. After 60 years of marriage she preceded him in death in 2012. Survivors include their children, Jeanice A. Olinde (Jim) of Topeka, Vicki S. Powers (Jim) of Topeka; Four Grandchildren, Melissa, Emily, Jeanette, and Carrie; Step-Grandsons, James, Chris, Rich, Dave, Reuben, Kevin, and James, and Fourteen Great-Grandchildren. He is preceded in Death by siblings Tuffy, Jimmy, John Merle, Ronnie and Mary Ann (Garretson), and several brother-in-laws. Still surviving Elmer are Siblings, Sally Ragland of Sacramento, CA, Alma Jean Allen and Glen Garretson (Rita), both of Parsons, KS, and Gerald "Monk" Garretson (Karen) of Tulsa, OK and Sister-in-law Betty Schmid of Parsons, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place, and private inurnment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society of Topeka and Paralyzed Veterans of America. The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for all of their love and support.