Obituary of Lewis Eugene Garrett

Lt. Col. Lewis Eugene Garrett (Ret) left his earthly existence to join his eternal companion on January 17, 2015. He was born on May 22, 1934, to Amy Buchanan and Dean Garrett in Venice, Utah. His early years were spent in Los Angeles, California. At age 10, his family moved to American Fork, Utah where he first met Shirley Richards. They were married on September 16, 1954, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they had a wonderful life with many adventures. Lewis was interested in flying from a young age. He traveled the world as a rescue helicopter pilot for the US Air Force, stationed three times at his favorite place, Alaska. He was awarded many highly distinguished medals for his service: The Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, four Air Medals, The Air Force Commendation Medal, and The Meritorious Service Medal. He was credited with 11 “saves” for his service in Vietnam and flew over 50 other people to safety during his career. In 1984, Lewis became a founding partner of Avalon Health Care, always advocating for the elderly. He had a reverence for life and a heart for healing and was forever proud that his children followed him into the healthcare industry. Lewis was an avid learner graduating with degrees from Brigham Young and Penn State Universities. He had a fascination for astronomy and was a self taught expert in astro-photography, taking many pictures on his remotely controlled telescopes located in New Mexico. He loved the outdoors and was an accomplished hunter and fisherman. Lewis loved music and had a rich tenor voice. He sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for many years. He and Shirley enjoyed traveling and seeing the world, visiting more than 40 countries. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in many leadership positions, service missions, the Provo and the Mt. Timpanogos Temples. First and foremost in Lewis’ life was his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; sons, Ronald and Isaac; brother, Gordon Garrett, and sister, Suzanne Schmuhl. He is survived by his children: Lewis (Kathleen) Garrett, Laurel (Steve) Fraser, Dr. Larry (Deborah) Garrett, Dr. Layne (Kimberlee) Garrett, 20 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, as well as siblings: Claranne (Dale) Duke, Dean Garrett, Albert Schmuhl, Julie (Greg) Wittwer, Barbara (Kent) Richards; sister-in-law, Lucille Garrett, and brother-in-law, LuDell Nielsen; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be Wednesday 1/21/15 at 11: a.m. in the Highland 7th Ward, 5212 West Country Club Drive. A viewing will be held Tuesday from 6 – 8 p.m. at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North American Fork, and Wednesday at the Church from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Burial in the American Fork Cemetery with Military Rites by the VFW District 4.