GARRISON, Virgil Dean (Papa Joe)

Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuaries, Whittier, California Virgil Dean Garrison July 27, 1930 - May 15, 2010 VIRGIL "JOE" D. GARRISON Passed away May 15, 2010 at the age of 79 after fighting a short courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He lived the last days of his life around loving family and friends in California. Known to many as "Papa Joe" he touched many people's lives with so much love and kindness. Born in Springfield, Missouri on July 27th, 1930 to Edward and Pearl Garrison. After graduating from Springfield High he married Jackie Metcalf and had five children. His first job he worked as a produce driver for Jazzard and Sons until he moved to California in 1954. He went to Aeronautics School and was hired as a Tool and Die maker at J.C. Peacock Engineering in Norwalk. Joe was shop Supervisor and designed many aircraft parts for McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. He worked for Peacock 40 years until he retired. Joe remarried in 1965 to Frances Smith and lived in Long Beach, Ca. until they moved to Prescott Valley in Arizona after his retirement. After 18 months he decided to return to work as a Tool and Die maker at Granite Mountain Design at which he worked for 8 more years. Joe is survived by his wife Frances, his sister Judy, four children, Gary, Alan, Brenda and Sandy, 2 step-children, Pat and Marie and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. His passions in his life besides work were his wife, his family, bowling, horse racing, baseball, football and cigars. He will always be remembered for his compassion, his generosity and his willingness to help a family member or friend. "Papa Joe", we will forever have an empty space in our hearts without you. We Love You so much.