Clear and Windy, 43° F
(Sept. 6, 1930 - April 5, 2012)
Rev. Dave L. Garrett, 81, of Lovell, formerly of Laramie and of Grand Island, Neb., died April 5, 2012 in Billings. His death was a result of complications from heart surgery.
He was born Sept. 6, 1930 in Countyline, Okla., the eldest of four children to Roy and Edith (McCortney) Garrett.
He spent his early childhood years in Texas and Oklahoma before moving with his family to St. Elmo, Ill., graduating from high school there.
While in St. Elmo, he met and married his wife of 62 years, Jean Foistier. To that union were born two sons and a daughter who died in infancy.
The first 15 years of their marriage Dave worked in the oil fields, moving to Wyoming in 1953. In June 1958 Dave and Jean recommitted their lives to Jesus Christ. In 1960 they felt the call of God on their lives to prepare for a life of pastoral ministry. They answered their first church call in October 1964 to Jackson. Four years of service to the Assemblies of God in Jackson, three and a half years in Glenrock, two years special assignment in Richmond, Ind. and 29 years at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in Laramie brought them to “semi-retirement” in June 2002.
During his years in Wyoming, Dave was the voice of “The Good News Gospel Broadcast” KOWB radio. Dave was also a member of the Rotary Club where he progressed through the chairs and became president of the club. He also served the Wyoming District of the Assemblies of God as a district officer for many years. Dave also served as staff chaplain at Ivinson Memorial Hospital for several years.
It was then that they moved to Grand Island, Neb. While in Grand Island, Dave accepted an invitation to help a young pastor and his family in the Assembly of God Church in Burwell, Neb. For three and a half years, he made the 82 mile trip each way to Burwell. For the first two years of their ministry there, Jean was able to accompany him. Health issues would later force her to remain at home.
Dave was a very good athlete with football and baseball being his favorite sports. Before moving to Illinois, Dave played baseball 20 miles from Fox, Okla., where a boy named Mickey Mantle played. It is said that the two went at each other often on the baseball diamond. Dave was scouted by the New York Yankees but was turned down when they found out he was totally blind in one eye. His love of sports had him coaching little league baseball in Jackson while living there. His life was a testimony to several kids who have later in life looked him up to thank him for showing them the life of Christ through his walk. Dave umpired Legion ball while in Glenrock. Dave very much enjoyed high school football. He was always at the Worland, Jackson, Glenrock, Richmond, Grand Island and Laramie football games on Friday nights. For the past 38 years, Dave and Jean held season tickets to Wyoming Cowboy football. He also became an avid fan of Cowboy basketball. While living in Grand Island, he regularly made the trips to Laramie on game day.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean, a daughter Debra Jean Garrett, a brother James Garrett and a grandson, Richard David Garrett.
Dave is survived by two sons, Dan Garrett of Grand Island, Neb., and Mike Garrett of Laramie; two granddaughters, Tracey Garrett of Grand Island, Neb., and Meredith (Dustin) Lee of Scottsbluff, Neb.; a sister, Wanda (Roy) Reilly of Bakersfield, Calif.; and brother Jack (Donna) Garrett of Robinson, Ill. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and by two special “adopted daughters,” Sue Larson of Powell and Teressa Ennis of Lovell, and two special “adopted grandchildren,” Tyler Ennis and Tess Peterson of Lovell.
Dave leaves behind a legacy of friends in the Laramie, Big Horn and Platte River valleys. He truly loved Laramie.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 11, at Laramie Valley Chapel with Pastors Dave Busch, Dan York and Paul Martin officiating. Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. Private family inurnment will be at a later date.
Services are under the direction of Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book, visit the website at www.montgomerystryker.com
