Delbert "Del" Garrett Jr.,

Jan. 26, 1924 - Oct. 25, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Delbert "Del" Garrett Jr., 86, passed peacefully on Monday, October 25th. On a beautiful, sunny, Fall day, he was surrounded and embraced by the love of his family at his bedside at Hospice House in South Bend. In the quiet of the early evening, God gently called him Home to release him from all pain and suffering endured over the past 10 years from Parkinson's Disease. With a strong and loving heart, he marched like a warrior through the reality of his illness.

With every step, his loving wife Eileen was by his side. Her selfless and gentle spirit, comforted and cared for him through the years. They were blessed to have been married for the past 59 years. As a father and grandfather, (Papa) Del's love of life, family, friends and God established a strong foundation upon which the lives of his children and grandson have been built.

His passion for music and dancing was central to all family gatherings and events - as a dancer he was truly in a class of his own. Even being confined to a wheel chair for the past two years, couldn't stop his feet from moving when a song from the Big Band era or polka was played. Del's colorful and vibrant personality extended to the beauty of his garden and poetic writings. He loved the splendor of flowers and a well-manicured lawn.

As a lifelong resident of South Bend, IN, Del's story began on January 26, 1924, son of the late Harry Delbert and Dollie (Cabanaw) Garrett. He was the fifth of six children.

Del was a 1942 graduate of Central High School. He was drafted into World War II in the Army Air Corps Division and was stationed in Southeast Asia where he was recognized and honored with 2 bronze stars. While employed at the Singer Manufacturing Co. he met Eileen Evans. They were married on June 23, 1951, at Epworth Memorial Church. From their union, daughters Cheryl and Jodi were born. After 26 years, he retired from RACO in 1986 where he was employed as an accountant.

Del and Eileen spent their retirement years as "snow birds" in the warmth of Florida. They resided at the Angler's Green mobile home community where they enjoyed their time on the shuffle board courts, and performing their infamous swing dancing in the annual talent shows. Formerly residents on Pyle Ave., South Bend, for the past two years, Del and Eileen have resided at the Southfield Village community in South Bend where they have been embraced by many new friends and caregivers. With their love for dance and performance, they participated in the annual residents' show, and moved from the shuffle board courts to Wii bowling tournaments.

In addition to his wife, Eileen, Del's cherished memories are left for his two children, Cheryl (Ray) Wasmer and Jodi Garrett; his beloved grandson, Cameron (Jill Behnke-Wasmer) Wasmer; sisters, Helen Rudolph, Bonnie Harris; sister-in-law, Irene Garrett; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth (Ted) and Walter; his sister, Bessie Schmidt; sisters-in-law, Marie Garrett, Monty Garrett; brothers-in-law, Stephen (Rudy) Rudolph and Larry (Red) Schmidt. Del's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the loving hands that comforted him with dignity and respect at Memorial Hospital, and with his transition of life at Hospice House of St. Joseph County. Deepest thanks to Home Instead and Memorial Home Care Services who helped assist and care for Del for the last three years. Memorial services will be held at noon on Saturday, October 30, in Evangel Heights United Methodist Church, 114 N. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN 46615, where Del and Eileen are members. Pastor Pat Somers will officiate.

Family and friends may visit two hours prior to the services from 10 a.m. to noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; to the National Parkinson's Foundation, 1501 NW 9th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136; or to Evangel Heights United Methodist Church. Expressions of sympathy may be left for the Garrett family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, South Bend, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Oct. 28, 2010.

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