Dr. R. I. Garrett passed from this world on Father’s Day, June 19, 2022 at 96 years of age.
Visitation: 5-8 PM Friday, June 24 at Lake Shore Funeral Home.
Funeral services: 10AM Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside service will be held at 1:30 PM at Waco Memorial Park. CLICK HERE to view the Live Stream of the service
Bob Garrett was born on June 17, 1926 in Park Place Houston, Texas to Rev. Vernon Greenwood Garrett and Lucille Baldwin Garrett. He grew up in several Texas cities including Refugio, Carthage, Hawkins and Jacksonville, Texas. He started college at Baylor University in Waco, and then joined the Navy V12 unit during World War II. He completed his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston in 1949.
He married Marguerite Gaston Garrett on August 6, 1948 and they have three children. Their children and spouses are Robert I. Garrett Jr and wife Jane Huff Garrett, Peggilu Garrett Woodward and husband Douglas Woodward, and J. David Garrett and wife Ruth Garrett; grandchildren, Janelle Garrett, Rebecca Garrett Finn, Elisabeth Carol Garrett, and Ruth Elizabeth Watkins; great grandchildren, Sebastian Finn, Caroline Finn, Chiara Garrett, Juliette Finn, and Isabelle Finn.
Dr. Garrett was a General Surgeon who practiced in the U.S. Navy for 28 years, stationed for duty at Orange TX, San Diego CA, U.S.S. Seminole during the Korean war, Great Lakes IL, Portsmouth VA 1953-58, Pensacola FL 1958-1962, Guantanamo Bay Cuba 1962-1964 including the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Long Beach CA 1964-1967, U.S.S. Repose in Vietnam1967-1968, Camp Pendleton in Oceanside CA 1968-1971. He achieved the rank of Captain USN MC before retirement from military service.
Dr. Garrett practiced surgery in Lufkin for 20 years after retiring from the Navy. He practiced at both hospitals, Memorial Health System of East Texas and Woodland Heights Hospital. He was President of the Angelina Co. Medical Society and was instrumental in the move to the new location for Woodland Heights Hospital on Gaslight Blvd. After retiring in 1991 he and his wife lived in Lufkin until 2019, when they moved to assisted living in Waco to be closer to their children.
Dr. Garrett was a deacon and leader in Baptist churches throughout his career and was active at Lufkin’s First Baptist Church for almost 50 years. He served in many different capacities including pastor search committee, deacon, emeritus deacon, Trustee, and co-chair of fund raising for the adult education building. He was active in the Kiwanis Club serving as President and Regional Lieutenant Governor. He also served on the Angelina County Board of Tax Assessment representing Lufkin Independent School District. He loved to play golf and was an avid supporter of Lufkin Panther Football and the Baylor Bears Football.
Above all, he was devoted to his wife, affectionately known as Muggy for 73 years, and to his children.
He was preceded in death by both parents; brother, Vernon Greenwood Garrett; sister, Virginia Garrett Neely.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Organ Fund at Lufkin’s First Baptist Church at 106 E. Bremond Ave., Lufkin, TX, 75901 or the Baptist Spanish Publishing House Foundation at https://www.friendsofcasafoundation.org/give.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
I am so sorry to hear this. At Abeldt’s he and Margaret were 2 of my favorite people. I hope I helped in some way keeping all their meds packed for them to keep them on track lol. He was one of the sweetest men I have ever know and I have missed seeing him and Margaret. Hugs and prayers go out to all. It was a privilege to serve them.
Dr. Garrett was loved my Phyllis and me as a friend and neighbor.
May God surround his whole family with His peace at this time.
Bill Royle
All staff in Imaging Department at Lufkin’s Memorial Hospital loved Dr. Garrett. He was pleasant to work with in surgery and to assist him otherwise. Patients and staff were blessed to have him in our worlds. A fine man and a fine doctor. God bless his family.
Marguerite, Bob, Jr., Peggilu and David, This is wonderful video produced by funeral home! I have just looked at it and would enjoy watching it again. What a life well-lived!!
Peggilu, Your daddy has left all of you such a great legacy.
Thinking of all of you today as you celebrate Bob, Sr.’s long life and he is laid to rest. God Bless You All!!
Ina Jane
Beautiful tribute to Uncle Bob. What a legacy he leaves of loves and service. Love you family and wish I could be with you. ❤️Amanda Garrett Blanch
Dios ponga paz en los corazones, lo conozco a Tu pappa por vos querido Pastor y Amigo del alma!!!
God bless you greatly and may his peace fill your hearts, a great person joins in heaven. Friend a giant hug from the soul, and I hope to see you again….
Estimado Hermano Bob:
desde Valencia, Venezuela me uno al duelo qué te aflige por el sensible fallecimiento de tu querido Padre.
Nuestras oraciones con ustedes para que sea el Espíritu Santo quien pueda traer consuelo.
Un abrazo fraterno en el nombre del Señor Jesucristo.
Rev. Iván Martínez Mejía
Dr. Garrett was a patriot, excellent surgeon, friend and great mentor to this once young practitioner. His kind guidance was always appreciated and his example helped in many ways. I am so proud to have had him as my friend. I miss him.
Mike Sabo
We are praying for the family and their loss! We served with Bob and Janie in Argentina. We had the opportunity to meet Dr Garrett when he came to Argentina!
Deepest Condolence are felt learning of Dr. Garrett’s passing. My prayers for comfort are with you during this time of transition. His bedside manner in 1978 was something to commend as I recall. Thank you for sharing him with us.