Richard Garrett

Richard H. Garrett, 68, of Decatur, IL, died 12:25 A.M., Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at his residence, with his wife and sons at his side. Funeral services will be 11:30 A.M., Saturday, April 21, 2012, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Decatur, IL, with visitation from 4 to 7 P.M., Friday, April 20, 2012, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL. Memorials may be made to "Snuggies for the Soul, Inc.", an organization that provides comfort blankets for chemotherapy patients, or Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Richard was born February 19, 1944, in Effingham, IL, the son of Herman O. and Evelyn (Falk) Garrett. He married Paula Dalamas on May 11, 1968 in Decatur, IL. Richard was a long time member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher and trustee. His incredible faith is an inspiration to his family and all who knew him. Rich worked as an electrician at Caterpillar, Inc., retiring after many years of service. He enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinal baseball and Fighting Illini basketball and football games, was an avid fisherman, and loved the outdoors, especially fishing at Lake Shelbyville. Rich was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, serving in Vietnam. Rich was a strong man, yet gentle and gracious throughout his life. He was a wonderful and caring husband, father, and grandfather. He was passionate about his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he held dear to his heart and truly loved. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Paula of Decatur, IL; son Doug (Tina) Garrett and their children Brad, Brittani, and Brooke; son Matt Garrett and his daughter Megan, all of Austin, TX; brothers Ron (Norene) Garrett of Wilmington, NC, Gerry (Naida) Garrett of Boonville, MO, and Mike (Linda) Garrett of Laguna Vista, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents. "
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