William Leroy Garrett, 84 of Covington died at 6:43 a. m. Wednesday December 12, 2012 at the Waters of Covington having been a patient the past year. He was born December 20, 1927 at Alta Vista, KS the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Chestnut) Garrett.
Bill served in the Coast Guard during World War II; graduated from Ottawa University in 1954 and received his masters degree from Indiana State University in 1955. He taught school at Shawnee and Covington Community Schools for 30 years, retiring in 1985. He later worked at VanVactor Oil Co. and was known as the tomato man as he raised tomatoes for several years. He was a member of Covington United Methodist Church.
Bill married Margaret Eloise Brown December 23, 1951 and she died November 10, 2007. Surviving are three children, Linda Garrett, Larry Garrett, and Judy Garrett, all of Covington; 2 granddaughters and 5 great grandchildren. His parents and a daughter Donna preceded him in death.
Visitation will be 11:00 a. m. until time of services at 1:00 p. m. Saturday December 15, 2012 at Shelby Funeral Home. Rev. Andy Martin will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post #288. Memorials requested to Covington United Methodist Church with envelopes available at Shelby Funeral Home. Condolences to the family: www. shelbyfuneralhome.com.