Robert (Bob) Garrison reluctantly left this world on Saturday, October 5th, 2019 after a long battle with COPD and cancer.
He was born Robert Junior Garrison on March 18th, 1933 in Rushville. He was the last surviving child of Jeannette (McCarty) and Oliver Morton Garrison.
Bob retired from Great States (American Lawnmower) in Shelbyville in 1998 with 40 years of service. Never one to sit still, he later developed a can route in Shelbyville. Bob became known as the "Can Man" as he traveled first by truck and later by bicycle to collect aluminum cans. He retired from his can route in 2012.
One accomplishment, of which he was most proud, was his military service. Robert was a United States Army Veteran and served during the Korean War from 1953-1956. He was stationed in Seoul, and spoke often about his time in Korea and Japan. His Honorable Discharge was always prominently displayed in his living room.
Bob was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish. He spent many days fishing at the old Triple Lakes in Laurel. He also won many fishing pools at Dick's Lake and the 11011 in Indianapolis.
Bob had a real zest for life. He loved music and he loved to dance. He could often by found at the American Legion in Shelbyville or Columbus. His mother lovingly nicknamed him Jiggs, because he could not sit still and was always in motion.
Bob will be remembered as someone that loved to have a good time and make people laugh. he often repeated a line from an old beer commercial: "You only go around once in life, so grab for all the gusto you can get."
Robert is served by his daughters; Melissa (Tom) Angelo of Rushville, Linda (Steve) Pratt of Rising Sun, Julie Stanton of Greenwood and his sons Eddie Garrison of Mt. Vernon, Kentucky and Alan Garrison of Shelbyville. In 2004, Robert learned he had another daughter, Lynette Jankowski of Phenix City, Alabama. Bob has several grandchildren which include Michael Angello, Chris, Jennifer and Adam Jankowski, Jeffrey Mullen Jr., Jacob Pratt, Christopher, Justin, Nicole and Tony Stanton, Tim and Ashley Garrison. In addition, there are several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Robert enjoyed a special bond with his grandson, Michael Agnello. Michael proved to be his grandfather's brightest light, even on bob's darkest days. Michael's companionship was instrumental in extending Bob's life beyond what anyone thought possible. Robert was predeceased by his parents, two older brothers, Richard and Charles Garrison and two younger sisters, Beverly Palmer and Marjorie Boggs. Bob was married 5 times and predeceased by 4 ex-wives; Jean Creech, Mabel DeBoard, Blanche Louise Blanton, and Letha Joan Pierce. His last ex-wife, Diane Carey, survives.
Robert attended Rushville High School. He was a member of the Salvation Army, and former member of the American Legion, VFW and the Eagles.
Funeral Services will be 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home. 437 Amos Rd., with Ronnie Caine officiating.
Friends may call on Thursday morning from 11:00 AM until the time of the services. Burial will be in East Hill Cemetery in Rushville
