Thomas Garrison

Thomas R. Garrison, 77, passed away Wednesday evening, November 17, 2010 after an 11-year battle with cancer at his home with his family at his side. Born April 6, 1933 in Mansfield, he was the son of the late Edythe Cairns and Harold Garrison. Tom was a graduate of Mansfield Senior High School in 1952 and Wittenberg University in 1956. He returned to Mansfield and taught Biology and History at Mansfield Senior High School for several years. He retired as a journeyman electrician from Richland Electric/Charnan-a company founded by his grandfather in 1908. He received his 50-year pin from I.B.E.W. Local #688. Tom was a 48-year member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday school and served on church council. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed boating, fishing and playing darts. Tom found great pleasure in spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Massa Garrison; two children, Cynthia Stephen Holfinger of Lexington and Richard Charlene Garrison of Mansfield; four grandchildren, Matthew Garrison of Mansfield, Kelly Jason Saul of Pickerington, Gregory and Christopher Holfinger, both of Lexington; sister, Ellen Jay Wells of Ashland; sisters-in-law, Doris Massa of Holly Hill, FL, Marge Massa of Mansfield; nieces and nephews, Tom Carol Massa of Daytona, FL, Sharon Bob Richwine of Columbus, Laurie Len Keller of Connoquenessing, PA, Sue Denny Snyder of Mansfield, Steve Annette Massa of Mansfield; Patty Ivy Traylor of Los Angeles, CA and Sue Jim Tibbs of Ashland; and several cousins, great nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, November 21, 2010 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. Funeral services will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 525 W. Cook Rd. with additional visitation from 9:30 until the time of the service. Rev. Dr. Pentti J. Maki will conduct the service. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital or MedCentral Hospice.