Frank B. Garratt

Frank B. Garratt Richland Frank went home to be with his Lord on February 17, 2009. He was the eldest of four sons born to H. Cal and C. Alene (Heath) Garratt on November 22, 1919. As an apprenticing tool and die maker, at age 22, he interrupted his career to volunteer for the U.S. Army during World War II, and serviced airplanes in the States and overseas. He was awarded six Bronze Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead. Frank enjoyed a broad range of interests-cars, photography, flying, bowling, golfing and racing his 110 sailboat on Gull Lake. He was nearly 34 when he married Betty Poe on November 1, 1953. She was a Missouri gal assigned to social work at Percy Jones Army Hospital in Battle Creek, Frank's mother was a volunteer Gray Lady there, and played matchmaker. They moved into 8 LaBelle on Gull Lake the day after they wed and there raised four children: Frank Bartrum Garratt, Jr. (Maria) of the Ft. Lauderdale area, Janet (Alan) DeBoer of Richland, David (Diane) Garratt of Chicago, and Nancy (Kurt) VanderVeen of Richland. He was a loving grandpa to nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and uncle to three nieces and four nephews. After 32 years of service, Mr. Garratt retired from the Eaton Corporation of Battle Creek. A tool and die maker, he ended his career in the experimental division where he built prototypes. His dear wife, Betty, died from cancer in 1983, and a brother, John, died in 1999. Brothers Bill and Don faithfully drove frank each Friday to join their bowling league until a few months ago, when he lacked the strength to continue. Frank will be remembered as a generous friend and talented handyman who blessed family and friends alike, performing countless mechanical, plumbing, electrical and carpentry labors of love. Mr. Garratt became a Christian in 1975, and thereafter, was a faithful member of Yorkville Community Church, serving where needed, whether on the board of officers, or as a tool box-toting layman. The late Rev. Sherbert called Frank "a prince of a man." He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. HIs body has been donated to medical research. A memorial service celebrating his life will take place on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 2:00 p.m., at Yorkville Community Church. The family is being served by Shaw Funeral Home. www.shawfuneralhome.com