Six of us South Haven high school graduates, classes 1979 and 1980, were gathered at the South Haven Senior Services Center for lunch today, and one shared that Mr. Garmon had died.  I am so sorry, and so were the others.  He was a good teacher, and I remember his class fondly.  He lived near the high school in an aqua blue house and drove an aqua blue car.  I can well imagine that day to day professional life in a building steeped with hormones of growing teens was challenging, but he navigated it with humor and seeming enjoyment.   Once when we were reading a piece of literature aloud "popcorn style" so that the kids had to pay attention so they could seamlessly start reading when he called on the next person, I was reading along confidently when it was my turn and mispronounced the word "rely," rhyming it with "jelly."  He absolutely lost it, laughing.  He apologized but I didn't mind, and it was one of many of my fond memories of Mr. Garmon's class.  One of our classmates encountered him at Michigan State later, while both were getting PhDs.  I'm glad to hear of his career and to know he married and had a family which was proud of him.  He's etched in my memory for all time, smiling.

Sorry to hear of Art's passing. We always enjoyed talking to Art as he passed by on many of his walks through Lakeside Village West. We will miss seeing and talking to him.

Jack & Jean Minnema

When someone asks me what is the best part of being a teacher… of course I love watching kids learn! That moment when their face lights up because they “get it” is awesome. But it’s so much more than that. It’s providing a safe space, offering words of encouragement when they are needed most, showing them how to be gentle and kind, helping them learn how to handle big emotions, and making sure they believe in themselves. Mr. Garmon was this teacher for me. He is the one teacher I will never forget and the teacher I hope I am for all of my students! Rest in heaven Mr. Garmon you will always be remembered.

Art set the bar high for his students and his expectations were met. Always reviewing student's work in detail so that the student felt their work was important.
Truly an Educator appreciated by his students!
Bob Linderman
South Haven

One of the very few things I have kept from high school is my Advanced English 11 Journal from Mr. Garmon’s Class, penned over the 1989-90 SHHS year.  Mr. Garmon not only had a passion for learning but also for teaching.  His mission was to build up and build together - he cared about each and every one of his students.  We Gen X’ers probably heard self-esteem from him first!  Each week we would list in our journal the most important thing we learned that week as well as the five most positive experiences.  Mr. Garmon taught us to not only to see ourselves but each other.  His superpower was being able to forge a connection between people and I will forever be grateful for the life lessons he taught us.  Be kind.  Listen to others.  Focus on the positive, learn.  Mr. Garmon was one of a kind, a gentleman, a scholar and an inspiration.  He has left a legacy in so many of his students.  Condolences to his family, friends and students - to Mr. Garmon!  You will forever have a piece of my heart.

Mr. Garmin was always a good man, who made sure we always stayed on our p"s & q's. I remember when he lived across the street from the school, and would never leave his job. He was always on the job. We didn't think he had a life, because he was always at work. He was a good person, with a warm heart. He will be missed by many. Rest easy, Mr. Garmon

Arthur was a great man to talk with. You could always count on an intellectual conversation. He always showed great humbleness and respect. His family will miss him.

I had Mr. Garmon at South Haven High his first year there.    He was great.    Had a sense of humor and immensely patient.    An excellent teacher.

My dear brother! Wow! I have no words. The laughter,  talks,  encouragement and memories shall not be forgotten. Take your rest with our Lord until we meet again💔.

Cindy Garmon
 Sis #1.

Hello, this is JD, aka Maine-Jer, Maine, Jermaine, BIG SEXY. LOL! I'll always remember Uncle Arthur as kind hearted, non-judgemental, fun and always showed me fairness, when others didn't.  He treated me as if I was his natural born nephew. He was always genuine when he asked me how I was doing and what was new with me. One of my fondest memories was the time he and I raced in the parking lot of Meijer at 28th and Kalamazoo.  I want to say I was maybe nine or ten years old. I thought I was fast. And because he was wearing some polyester pants, strap up no name shoes,and a members only jacket, I KNEW I was faster. But when my dad said GO! Uncle Art left me behind like I was standing still! I never got my rematch, but never doubted he was fast ever again. I didn't speak to him often, outside of him coming to town for visits at Granny and Papa house. But whenever I did speak with him, it was always respectful and cheerful. And for that, I appreciate the time I did have with him. I wish my deepest condolences to his wife and family he leaves behind. And all his sibblings,  my aunts, uncle, and father. Love you all!

R.I.P Uncle Arthur! I have received so much joy reading about all the fond memories from your students and colleagues! They confirmed what we all grew up knowing, you were pretty awesome! You will truly be missed! Rest in paradise! 

With love, 

Your first niece, 

Shaketa Garmon-Tuggles

My sincerest condolences to all who loved this man. He changed the course of my life. His teaching methods inspired me to creative writing. I'm forever grateful for all the positive impact he made spanning his glorious years as a educator.

My sincere condolences to all the family of Mr. Moses Arthur Garmon.  He was my English teacher in High School and he sincerely cared about his students and giving them a good education.  

I was able to tell him in June of 2023 how much he was appreciated as such a caring teacher in high school.  I have two favorite memories of Mr. Garmon: The first was that when I really didn’t show interest in learning, he challenged me to do better and wasn’t above a little fun bribery… he knew I loved McDonald’s French fries and as a larger family, we didn’t go out to eat much.  Mr. Garmon told me if I improved my studies and grade, he would buy me a gift certificate for McDonald's French Fries. I went from a D to a B+ and true to his word, he presented me with McDonald’s gift certificates for free French Fries at the end of the year.  The second favorite memory was when he had us write anything we wanted during the first 10 minutes of his class.  He collected our notes, compiled excerpts from them into another document, made copies and handed them out later in the week.  We all read what some other students had written but didn’t know who wrote it.  There were the “this is stupid, I don’t know why we have to do this” notes and some funny notes or about liking someone in class, but the ones that got me were the words written about someone’s family life and the deep hurt the person was feeling.  

Mr. Garmon made me really think about others and become a more compassionate person.  As an adult, I often remember being so grateful for his generous, and earnest care he displayed for his students. Many teachers buy supplies out of their own pocket… he spent his own money to buy those gift certificates (I think it was $5.00 or $10 for a book of certificates then but it was still a lot for a teacher to do).  He cared that much.  
I am a better person for having been taught by Mr. Garmon.  Rest in peace, Sir.

Deb
I just heard about Art.  I'm so sorry. We had so many great times together.  He won't be forgotten!
You know if there is anything I can do for you just ask.  The two of you made my life better.
Please take care and reach out if you need to .
Brett

I'm so sorry to hear of my good friend Arts passing.  We coached together in South Haven and then rekindled our friendship a number of years later. 
Carol and I spent several vacations and countless days and evenings with Art and Deb.  Art and I watched a lot of of Spartan football and basketball together. 
Art was a great guy and good friend.  His players and students were lucky to have had him in their lives.

Mr. Garmon was one of my favorite teachers at SHHS. He was an enthusiastic teacher who enjoyed sharing his knowledge with students. Writing assignments were always critiqued so the student was challenged yet supported, sometimes even with lots of comments in red.  Thank you for attending our last reunion Mr G - I had a great conversation with you and appreciated you taking the time to visit with some of your former students. 
RIP, 
Al Watson ‘75

My deepest condolences to the family. Mr. Garmon was my English teacher, n I was an aide in his class.  1975...A wonderful Gentle Man. My you Rest Easy...

I'm heartbroken. Mr. Garmon is a wonderful wonderful man! He was the best English teacher, basketball coach, mentor & friend. Please accept my sincerest condolence.💓

So sad to hear about Mr. Garmon. He had a great big heart and loved to wear his great BIg ties.  
I had him as a teacher and a basket ball coach.  He taught me so many things. God definitely picked a good one but too early.
R.I.P. Mr. Garmon

You Sir...
You...
you, changed the ripple of my life...
because you believed in me.
May you enjoy the heavenly fruits of your earthly labors. 
~Susan Till
South Haven class of '91

So very sorry to see this.  Art was a compatriot and friend and we shared many years working at South Haven.  He and I actually met at WMU when we were students there only to reconnect at South Haven.  In addition to our conversations, I like to remember when Art was our bus driver for teams I was fortunate to coach.  Always a fun and safe trip, and watching his own team representing the Rams with class.  Rest in peace, my friend

Mr. Garmon was my teacher for English at
South Haven High School in the early 80’s.
He was well liked and respected.  He was a
great teacher.
My prayers to the family.

My deepest sympathies to all those who love him! Not only my English teacher in the 80’s at south haven public schools, he was a favorite person from my childhood! He was inspiring, caring, and gifted in so many ways. The way he held his lips together, and put his chin out when he witnessed a correct answer or a solution to a difficult situation… He truly found his gift in leading others! Rest well Mr. Garmon! Thank you for everything you were for me!
Much love, 
Missy Hale
Class of 1992

“Think not in grief that he is gone, but in thankfulness that he was.”

Although I never had Mr Garmon in the classroom, he was always kind and supportive of me—especially when I was in trouble with another teacher! I hope I exemplified him in my career as an educator.

Please access t my deepest condolences!  Mr Garmon was my English teacher at South Haven high school in the mid 80’s.  I fondly remember him for his kindness, patience, and generosity.  The world has lost a great man.

Mr. Harmon was a very patient man.  I vividly our English class being rather rambunctious.  He did not yell, but still had the ability to real us in for his teachings.  I also was lucky enough to play softball for him.  Great times with a wonderful man.  So very sorry for your loss.

My deepest condolences to the family. Mr. Garmon was a great teacher, coach and friend . He would walk me home after basketball games so no one bothered me. We lived a few houses from each other. RIP dear friend.

Mr. Garmin, was a amazing Teacher, he was kind, caring, patient, very loyal teacher, he was always there to help students when they needed him. Mr. Garmon, Thank you for all you did for the students of South Haven High School. RIP. Maybe gone from earth but not from our hearts

Truly one of the best that South Haven Schools ever added to their staff… and many of us were lucky enough to call him our teacher.  Mr. Garmon was one who I thought of a lot during my time as an educator, as I tried to be the type of role model to my students as he was to me and countless others.  I have always remembered his kind heart and that big smile from the first time I met him.  
Prayers to his family … he will be deeply missed by this former student as well.

Great teacher and coach! My thoughts and prayers to the Garmon Family and Friends.

I met Art at Judson Collins camp.   We were both counselors and assigned to adjoining cabins.  I remember leaving for swimming at the same time.   Art would have his towel tied around his neck and "fly" off the top step of his cabin.   We called him SUPER ART!   And indeed he was a super guy.  When I got a job at Bangor High School - neighboring school to South Haven, Super Art was over in a flash to help us unload our furniture and such.   So sorry to hear of his passing.

I had Him as a high school teacher in South Haven. He was truly one of most caring and giving teachers I ever

I am so sorry to read that Mr. Garmon has passed.  I graduated from South Haven in 1985 and I still have a notebook from his class.  As I recall he didn't care what we wrote as long as we wrote every week.  Such a fair and kind man. My deepest condolences to his wife, siblings and extended family.  The world has lost a gem. Go rest high on that mountain sir.

Prayers and Condolences to his family. 
He was one of the nicest teachers ever during my years @ South Haven HS.  May God grant this wife and family the peace needed at this difficult time.

Mr. Garmon was my high school English teacher back in the 1980s. My FAVORITE teacher.  Godspeed to him, what a legacy he leaves for all the lives he’s touched! Such a gentle and kind man. Condolences to his wife and family. I’m truly sorry for your loss of such a great human.

A great role model and mentor while I was in HS.  An amazing person.  He will be missed.

I am so sorry for your loss.  Prayers for comfort and healing in this time.  Mr. Garmon was one of my favorite teachers at South Haven High School in the late 80’s.  He will always be in my heart.  Until we meet again.

Just seeing this on Dec 1, my heart is pierced and breath taken away with sadness for his wife and all who who loved him, yet knowing we will certainly all meet again in the glory of heaven. I think, during his first year of teaching at SH high, I was a student in his English class, where my failing was unacceptable. Incredibly patient and bright spirited individual, he DID make a difference! Rest in Peace!

Gone too soon.  My big brother.  #1
My first best friend and lifelong friend.  Never did I suspect the photo taken would be the only one of just us, the three brothers together.  My life spans 74 of your 76 years.  We did a lot together; hopefully more good than bad.  We partnered for years helping raise our siblings while dad and mom did their best to give us a home, clothes to wear and to keep us fed.  Times were hard and we came out together on the better side.  I pray that you now are on the better side with our heavenly father in eternity.   I love you bro!  

Peace be with you.

#2

I am saddened to hear that Mr Garmon has left us--- but only physically.  He was a wonderful teacher and shared his passion for life and literature with his students.  I fondly remember him taking a group of us to his family's home to try Soul Food after reading  a book about the same.  We were warmly welcomed to share in the  delicacies. 

Thank you for this inspiration Mr Garmon.  You will be missed.

Nancy Hedlund Connor

Was sadden to hear of Art's death.  50+ years ago we were on staff together at Judson Collins Camp and for awhile kept in touch afterwards.  I remember Art with fondness and appreciation for his friendship at those times in my life. 

May you who remain be blessed by many happy memories and loving support of those who knew Art and you all.

Grace and Peace,
Margie (Taber) Schleicher

My Dear Uncle Arthur, you'll be truly missed. I will forever remember your smile. You always had a positive and loving attitude and always had a happy spirit. 
You were a Great Leader that inspired so many people with your knowledge and wisdom. 
I will forever love and cherish you in my heart and all the memories we shared as a loving family.

LEFT TO RIGHT - Bill, Bruce, Art

So many years... so many memories, there's no way I can put it all here.  You've always been there, all my life; but God loved you best and called you to rest and reward.  You'll be greatly missed here, but I take comfort in knowing that you're resting in the Lord's arms. 

Love Ya Bro...    

- Bruce

OBITUARY

Moses Arthur Garmon

July 16, 1948 – November 28, 2024

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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