Hubert F Garrett

Frank Garrett, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, was born in Woodstock, GA, on August 2nd, 1932, to James Lester and Huldah Milacent Garrett. With an unyielding spirit, he entered the U.S. Army on April 24, 1951, despite only having a 7th-grade education. Through hard work and determination, Frank ascended to the rank of Sergeant Major (E-9) while also earning four years of college credits through night courses. His remarkable 28-plus years in military service were marked by his roles as a wheeled and tracked vehicle repair instructor and a respected transportation coordinator.

Frank’s journey did not end with his military service. He was chosen to continue his service in the Civil Service as a GS-12 with the Army Weapons Command, dedicating 16 years to this role, where he found fulfillment in mobility status. His expertise as a fire control specialist on the M1 Tank and Apache Helicopter took him to various parts of the world, including Germany, Korea, and Turkey. Frank was also a Logistic Assistant representative during his Civil Service, where he made significant contributions that were instrumental to the Army Weapons command.

Over his 44 years of federal service, Frank showed unwavering dedication, completing multiple tours of duty in Germany, France, Vietnam, Korea, and Turkey. His exemplary service earned him numerous awards and medals, including the Vietnam Service Medal with both a Silver and a Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation 2d Award, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star, Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle), Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, etc. and the prestigious President’s award for Humanitarian Service.

Beyond his distinguished career, Frank was an active member of his community. He proudly belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4008 in Belton, the American Legion Post 573 in Harker Heights, and the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 2029 in Copperas Cove. He also served two years as Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge 2828 in Canton, GA, before transferring to Temple Lodge 138, forming lifelong friendships along the way.

Frank’s heart was forever intertwined with that of his beloved wife, Ida Katharina, who unfortunately passed away on December 11, 2020, due to Alzheimer’s disease. In the wake of her passing, Frank emerged as a passionate advocate and an Elite Grand Champion fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Capital of Texas Chapter, channeling his grief into meaningful action to combat this devastating illness. Through the unwavering support of those who knew him and his active participation in various organizations, Frank was able to touch countless lives and raise more than $100,000 over the years. His commitment to helping others exemplified the generosity of spirit that defined his character.

He is survived by his son, Josef, and his wife Jessielyn of Los Angeles, CA, his daughter Bianca McBride and her husband Michael of Harker Heights, TX, along with three cherished grandchildren: Jacob and Stephen of Los Angeles and Katharina of Harker Heights.

In lieu of flowers Frank’s wishes were for memorials to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association research effort in hopes of finding a cure for memory loss disease and other dementias.

Frank will be remembered not only for his contributions but also for his warm heart, kindness, and the joy he brought to those around him. His legacy will live on in the lives he enriched and the memories we cherish. He will be dearly missed by family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to have known him.