Donald Garretson

Donald "Don" Garretson, age 80, of West, left this earthly vale of tears Friday evening, January 15, 2021 at West Rest Haven in West. Per his family's request, services may be held at a later date. Don was born October 25, 1940 in Waco, the son of Charles and Olga (Schiemenz) Garretson. He started school in Leroy and was a 1958 graduate of West High School. After graduation he joined the United States Navy, serving on the USS Wandank, ATA 204. He was honorably discharged in 1962 as an Electrician's Mate, Second Class. When he returned Don attended Hill Junior College and Baylor University. He then rejoined the U.S. Naval Reserves and in 1963 transferred to the U.S. Navy. Don was discharged again in 1967 as a Aviation Undersea Warfare Specialist, First Class. He then enrolled in Lamar University, graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor's Degree in Physics. Don worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad until he was hired by Texas State Technical College as an instructor in the Electronics Department until his retirement in 1995 as Program Chairman. In his retirement, he enjoyed silhouette and target shooting and deer hunting with his best friend, Dennis Debbendener and his son, Jeff. Don also liked taking non-working computers and repairing them for his own use, and playing the guitar, fiddle, accordion, keyboard, and piano. He loved gardening and doing yardwork on his own property, along with spending time as an amateur radio operator with the call sign KC5ZBZ. He was a member of American Legion #478 of West. Don is preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, Leonard Jupe; and a niece, Renee Henriksen. Survivors include his brother, Charles "Bud" Garretson, Jr. of Leroy; sisters, Mildred Jupe of Robinson, and Marguerite Henriksen and husband Larry of Bosqueville; his nieces, Debra Haney, Camille Jacobs and husband Wesley, Deanna Parker, Kathy McDaniel and husband Jay, Sandra Edwards and husband Dean; a nephew, Clifford Garretson; his good friends, Dennis and Debbie Debbendener; and many great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Legion Post #478 or the Salvation Army.