George Garrison

George R. Garrison, 80, Topeka, died Monday, May 17, 2004 at his home. Mr. Garrison was born in Winfield KS January 26, 1924, the son of George and Grace Ratcliff Garrison. He was a graduate of Topeka High School, Class of 1942. He served in the U. S. Air Force during WWII and retired with 25 years of service. He was then employed by Topeka-Shawnee County Health Dept. for 10 years. George married Philomena DeSalvatore on June 14, 1947. She died in March of 1973. On July 20, 1974, George and Madge Tillinghast Lemon were married at Assumption Church, Topeka. She survives. Mr. Garrison was a member of Assumption Catholic Church where he served as President of the Parish Council and was a Eucharistic minister for many years. Mr. Garrison was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 534, holding the highest offices in both the Third and Fourth Degrees; Grand Knight, Council 511, and Faithful Navigator at both Newport News Assembly and James W. Gibbons Assembly. He held numerous other minor offices in both Degrees. Survivors include his wife, Madge Garrison; daughters, Diana Lee Hartje, Gibsonville NC, Candice Rosanne Lemon, Littleton CO, Phyllis Ann Elrod, Illini IL, Mary Ann Nevarez, Banning CA, Theresa Clare Penning, Atchison, grandchildren, Melanie Paris, Robert Ian Elrod, Michael David Elrod, Jr., Catelin Marie Elrod, Matthew Alan Monell, Joseph Richard Penning, Michelle Alicia Penning, Trisha Marie Penning; and 4 great-grandchildren. Mr. Garrison will lie in state and family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Assumption Catholic Church. The Daughters of Isabella will lead a rosary at 4 p.m. Knights of Columbus Council No. 534 will lead a rosary at 6:30 followed by the James W. Gibbons Assembly Fourth Degree chalice ceremony. The parish prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at Assumption Church with burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family suggests memorial contributions to Assumption Church, 204 SW 8th St, Topeka KS 66603 or to Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka KS 66606.

George Garrison

January 26, 1924 - May 17, 2004