Ray L. Garrison

Ray L. Garrison, 83, of West Plains, Missouri (formerly of East Peoria, Illinois), passed away peacefully at 6:44 PM Tuesday June 23rd, 2026, at home in West Plains, Missouri, after a very brief battle with a very aggressive cancer with his wife of 60 years Diane L. (Reichelderfer) Garrison and his son Sean C. Garrison at his side. Ray was born March 11, 1943, in Colchester, Illinois to Ralph and Mabel (Bean) Garrison. He married Diane L. Reichelderfer at the Methodist Church in Carthage, Illinois on July 3rd, 1965. He is survived by his wife, his son, Sean C. Garrison of West Plains, Missouri, and one brother Kenny Garrison of Mossyrock, Washington. He was preceded in death by his infant Daughter, his parents, three brothers and two sisters. Ray grew up in Macomb, Illinois where he thrived at sports from a very young age and went on to play where he excelled at all. Upon graduation from High School, Ray went on to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. It was during his time at Western that he met Diane while working at the local drugstore. That chance encounter while filling in at the fragrance counter ultimately led to nearly 61 years of marriage. Ray was many things from drug store clerk to iron worker, accountant to SKCS in the US Navy/Reserves. As well as the driving influence behind multiple business ventures over the years. Most recently, owning and operating Henry's RV and Mobile Home Park in West Plains, Missouri from July 2003 until his passing. Ray was fiercely devoted to his Wife Diane of nearly 61 years until his last breath. Although very strained for many years, his relationship with his son Sean improved drastically after he joined in operations of the RV and Mobile Home Park in 2010. Ray was a protective Husband, stern Father, steadfast Leader and overall a thoroughly amazing human being that will truly be missed by all that knew him. Cremation has been chosen with ashes to be interred at the family plot in Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb, Illinois at a later date. A Celebration of Life has been planned for July 18, 2026 at the Historic Post Office in downtown West Plains, Missouri from 1PM - 5PM. Address: 204 E. Main St., West Plains, MO 65775 (No step/easy access from the rear parking area.) In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider a monetary gift to assist in the funding of a cancer research trust currently being formed in the Garrison Family name. Payable to Sean C. Garrison with “Trust” in the memo line. Please mail donations to: Sean C. Garrison 4684 US HWY 160 West Plains, MO, 65775 “IT IS WHAT IT IS...WE GET WHAT WE GET...AND LIFE GOES ON,” SPOKEN BY RAY ON FATHER'S DAY 2026. Arrangements by Always Faithful Memorial Services, West Plains, Mo.

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Ray L. Garrison

March 11, 1943 - June 23, 2026