Neil Oliver Baker Garrett

Neil grew up in Newton with childhood interests in Taekwondo, swimming, and motorcycles. His interests in swimming and motorcycles continued throughout his life.

Neil had a distinguished career as a logistics specialist in the United States Army. He completed five combat tours of duty, two in Iraq and three in Afghanistan, and served in various other regions throughout the world. Those regions included Africa, where he was among the first boots on the ground for America’s humanitarian response to an Ebola outbreak, South Korea, and Germany, where he met and fell in love with his wife, Laura. Neil retired from the Army as a Sergeant First Class, having earned numerous unit and individual awards, including the Bronze Star.

Following his military service, Neil returned to the Wichita area to be closer to his four children and growing number of grandchildren. He became an instructor and Master Scuba Training Diver at a local diving company, and he became a longtime member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, serving in multiple leadership positions since 2019.

Neil is survived by his wife, Laura; his children, Dakota, Brandon (Daria), Ethan (Willow) Gerringer, and Jesse; his grandchildren, Kole, Hadassah, Elizabeth, and Lincoln; his mother, Karen, father, James, and stepmother, Magda; and his four siblings, Miles, John (Garcia), Gabriella, and James. Neil cared deeply for his family and friends and will be sorely missed.

A memorial service for Neil will be held August 20, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Neil's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.