Junior Stephen Garrett

  Junior Stephen Garrett, 83, affectionately known as "Pops" by his children, passed away on October 21, 2024, at his home in Louisville, Kansas, surrounded by loved ones and holding his wife’s hands.

  Junior was born on March 15, 1941, in Ozark, Missouri, to Paul S. Garrett and Gladys I. Garrett (Hodson). He embarked on a journey through life filled with love, laughter, and a little bit of mischievousness.

  Junior was a steadfast presence, known for his soft-spoken nature that could quickly shift into playful banter, proving he could "shit talk" with the best of them. He served in the Army during the Vietnam era, stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, as a track vehicle mechanic. This laid the foundation for a remarkable career as a welder at the J.I. Case Company in Wichita, Kansas, where he devoted 23 years of his life. Retirement did not stop him from seamlessly transitioning into tinkering with gunsmithing. His knack for working with his hands matched his love for adventure, making him a true jack-of-all-trades who wasn’t afraid to try anything. A lifelong fisherman, he cherished the early mornings spent hunting and embracing the great outdoors. He found immense joy in simple pleasures, like exploring garage sales and auctions, and sharing stories that made family members chuckle.

  Junior married Rebecca “Becky” S. Wheat on December 6, 1991, in Mulvane, Kansas. They spent the next 33 years together, filled with laughter and love for each other and their family. Becky survives at their home.

  Junior leaves behind his cherished children Mark Garrett (Janey Mahhant) from Rock, Kansas; Mario Garrett from Lees Summit, Missouri; Kathy Walsh (David) from Louisville; and Lori Featherby Whitaker (James) from Hernando Beach, Florida. His legacy continues with his spirited grandchildren Sidney, Brittney (Art), Justin, Kyeli, Amanda (Steve), Amber (Ricky), Amelia (Steven), Ashley (Brandon), Dexter (Grant), Josh, Cameron, Aiden, Liam, and Sloane; his great-grandchildren Cameron (Victoria), Tyann, Ace, Lele, AJ, CJ, Cooper, Avery, Bryson, Gaven, and Brayden; and his three great-great-grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings Kathy Garrett-Schwei, Tony Garrett, and Ronny (Brenda) Garrett; and countless family and friends.

  Junior now joins those who have passed before him—his father Paul Garrett, mother Gladys Garrett, son Patrick Featherby, grandson Mason Garrett, granddaughter Jenna Garrett, and sister Josephine Herring Garrett.

  A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Mulvane American Legion, 410 SE Louis Drive, Mulvane, Kansas, 67110. Military Honors will be presented during the service by the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Detail. Cremation arrangements are in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, Wamego, Kansas.

  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Mulvane American Legion Post 136. Contributions can be sent to Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, Kansas, 66547. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.