Frank Garrett

Frank Eugene Garrett, age 85, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Richardson and Glen Garrett, and his siblings, Jim Garrett (Carol), Michael Garrett (Cora), and MaryAnne Lumly (Mick).

Loving husband of Jean Garrett and devoted father to Michael Garrett (Jennifer), Frank Garrett Jr. (Michelle), and Carrie Jedlink (Scott), he is also survived by his sisters, Sue Fowler and Marilyn Moore.

He was a proud grandfather to Jim Higgins (Meghna), Mackenzie Garrett (Tyler Gawlick), Halley Garrett (Nick Maki), Matthew Garrett, Nathan Garrett, Charlotte Garrett, and Madison Jedlink, and great-grandfather of Ezra Higgins, as well as uncle to many others.

Frank was born in Lafayette Indiana, attended Lafeyette High school. At the age of 18, Frank moved to Chicago and attended DeVry Institute of Technology. He told stories of running a pirate radio station from his apartment. Always present in our house was a hi-fi system and a record collection. It was Frank who introduced us to Johnny Cash, Pink Floyd and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on a long family driving vacation.

Frank would share many stories about growing up in Lafayette, and the family shared many memorable trips to and visits from relatives.

Frank met Jean, an art student at The Art Institute of Chicago in 1959. They were married at Unity Lutheran Church in 1960. Together they raised three children. In 1962 they found and purchased a home from a friend who became an adopted 'Granny'. Granny and her family became beloved friends.

Frank's first job after graduating from DeVry was at the Seeburg Juke box factory on the production line. After working at Seaburg, he moved to Barber Colemen Corporation where he gained experience and skill in heating and air conditioning controls which would become the backbone of his career. He joined Arlington Park Racetrack, running and maintaining the heating and air conditioning systems for many of the Chicago area racetracks. He Moved into an engineering position at Chicago Conditioned Air, designing and managing the installation of large heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in industrial buildings. He left Chicago Conditioned Air and returned to Arlington Park Racetrack in the role of facilities manager. He then moved to Hollywood Park racetrack and Casinos as a facilities manager. When his grandchildren were born, he moved back to Chicago and took a facilities manager position at Service Master where he worked through retirement.

Frank was a mentor to many people throughout his career.

Frank had a passion for fixing and building things. When the house got too small for all five of us, he pulled out a pad of graph paper and designed a two-room addition for our house which was built within a year. Frank and the neighbor hand dug the foundation, and hand mixed the concrete for the foundation. The whole family nailed in the floorboards.

The house was complete with a full complement of tools of all types, which Frank was quick to teach the proper usage of. When the neighbor's car (the neighbors who became best of friends), a 65 Mustang became available, he and his children rebuilt the entire car. Frank showed up one day with a radio-controlled helicopter, which started a lifelong passion for model airplanes, helicopters and boats and formed a passion for engineering and fixing things in all three of his children. Frank was very detailed and skilled at building things, assembling a woodworking shop in the basement where he built many beautiful jewelry boxes for family and friends.

Frank was a friend to anyone he met and would be happy to help anyone in any way, many times repairing or fixing neighbors household appliances, air conditioners, heaters or cars. He never hesitated to help anyone in need.

On any day, you could find Frank tinkering with something whether in the garage, the yard, or the basement or someone's home. He loved to help others and passed on many tricks of the trade to his children.

His pride and love for his family was beyond measure. Frank was very loved and will be greatly missed.

Messages and stories about Frank are greatly appreciated.

Donations:

In Lieu of flowers a donation to the Frederick Johnson Memorial Fund is appreciated, memorial contributions will benefit Hank, an eight-year-old grandnephew, who recently lost his father.

Please follow the provided link:

https://gofund.me/a810e34e

Or checks can be made out to:

The Frederick Johnson Memorial Fund

And mailed to:

The Fountain Trust Company

PO Box 159

Brookston, Indiana 47923

Or delivered in person at:

The Fountain Trust Company

309 S. Prairie St.,

Brookston, Indiana