Earl Garrison

Former Senator Earl Garrison passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Muskogee to go to his heavenly home on Monday morning, June 10, 2019. He was born May 24, 1941 to Earl and Alta (Tidwell) Garrison in Muskogee. Earl married the Light in his Life, Faye, on February 14, 1997 in Muskogee. They shared 22 years of love, laughter, friendship, opinionated discussions (which Earl left thinking he won), and their passion for Education. They were a strong "team". Earl attended Muskogee Schools his whole life and graduated in 1959. He then went on to attend Bacone College for two years and received his Bachelor's Degree from Northeastern Oklahoma State University in 1963, Master's Degree in Education from NEOSU in 1968, and his PHD in Education from the University of Oklahoma in 1976. He started his Education career in Del City, Oklahoma, became Head Boys Basketball Coach at Rose State College, worked at the Oklahoma State Department of Education for several years in many departments. He went on to move back to Muskogee to become Superintendent of Fort Gibson Public Schools. After several years loving his tenure at Fort Gibson he became the Superintendent of Indian Capital Technology Center where he retired in 2004 after 40+ years in education. Over the years he won many local and state honors in education, and he would always in an humble way say, "I was just doing what I loved with talented teachers who made me look good with one common goal and that was to help every student get the best possible education." He made a difference in thousands of students' lives! Earl Garrison was not finished. He went on to become State Senator where he could continue to serve the citizens of District 9 from 2004- 2016. Earl loved God, his family and friends, attending grandchildren events, his ranching and cattle, his country, Public Education and helping the under-privileged. He was a warrior and Champion of the cause when it came to any of these. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Muskogee and co- taught their Sunday School class with Chris Condley. While Superintendent of Fort Gibson he was one of the founders of Muskogee Area Education Consortium. He was an active member of several civic organizations with the Lion's Club being the most recent. He was a member of the Masonic Shrine Temple in Muskogee. He loved people and greeted everyone with a smile and a hand shake or hug. You always knew when Dr. Garrison entered a room because people just gravitated to him. He was loved and respected by everyone that knew him. Earl was honored to serve his country in the Air Force Reserves from 1963-1969. Earl is survived by his wife Faye Garrison of the home; his son, Chad (Candace) Garrison, Oologah; daughter, Jessica Garrison, Owasso; son/nephew, Luke (Amy) Cain and two daughters, Phoenix, Arizona; step-son, Jason(Jackie) Sternberger; step-daughter, Julie Sternberger, Ada; his grandchildren, Kelsey, Grace, Matthew, Josh Garrison, Oologah, Avery, Faith, Jakob Tilley, Jace, Jett, Jax Sternberger, Kingfisher; brothers, John (Sue) Garrison, Eldorado, Arkansas, Larry (Barbara) Garrison, Muskogee; sisters-in-law, Carol Mote, Woodward, Sue (Curtis) Diel, Enid; mother of his children, Jenny Garrison, Oologah; special friend, Suzy (Stan) Harris; along with a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Earl and Alta Garrison; brother, George Garrison; sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Lloyd Young; father and mother-in-law, Manford and Margaret Jenkinson; and brother-in-law, Duane Mote. Memorials can be made to Alzheimer's Association and First Baptist Church Education Department in Muskogee. The family will receive friends from 2-4PM, Sunday, June 16, 2019 at Cornerstone Funeral Home. Funeral service celebrating Earl’s life will be 10AM, Monday, June 17, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Muskogee with Dr. Johnny Derouen and Chaplain Bill Crow officiating. A private family interment will follow. Pallbearers will be John Parker, Tim Moxley, Dave Howe, Matthew Garrison, Josh Garrison, Jace Sternberger, Jett Sternberger, and Jax Sternberger. Honorary pallbearers will be Kelsey Garrison, Grace Garrison, Avery Tilley, Faith Tilley, and Jakob Tilley.

Earl Garrison

May 24, 1941 - June 10, 2019