Joe Frank Garrison

Joe Frank Garrison, age 88, of Temple died Friday, July 9, 2010 in a local nursing home. Services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, July 12, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home with Rev. George Henninger officiating. Burial will follow at Bellwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be 3:00 - 4:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Mr. Garrison was born on October 18, 1921 in Temple to Elmer S. and Lorraine (Coleman) Garrison. He graduated from Temple High School in 1938 and attended Temple Jr. College and Howard Payne College. He was with the Texas National Guard Unit and later served during WWII in the 363rd Engineers in the Persian Gulf Command. He returned to Temple to work for the AT-SF Railway Company. He retired in 1981 after 42 years of service. He married Grace Mertins in 1946. He was Exalted Ruler of Temple Elks Lodge #138, Past DDGER and served on the Board of Children's Hospital in Ottine, Texas. He received the State of Texas Elk of the Year Award in 1970. He served as President of the Temple Quarterback Club and was a charter member of Santa Fe Credit Union. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1820 and American Legion Post #133. Joe was known as "The Benny Goodman of Central Texas". He played in numerous Dixieland and big band jazz groups in the region for many years. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Grace K. Garrison. Survivors include two sons, Joel B. Garrison of Temple, Gary J. Garrison and wife, Susie of Canyon Lake, three grandchildren, Brian Garrison of Temple, Austin Garrison and wife, Ashley of San Antonio and Emily Grigsby and husband, Will of Austin and a great-grandson, Ethan Grigsby. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Elks Children's Home in Ottine, Texas. Pallbearers are Ken Hachtel, Kenny Welch, Terry Coyne, Joe Laird, Tommy Harrison, Woody Tottenham, Mickey Whitlock and Jesse Wall.