Merle E. “Red” Garrett

November 29, 1923 – March 19, 2017

Merle E. “Red” Garrett, 93, 336th Waist Gunner, died March 19, 2017, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. 

He was born November 29, 1923, in Pickaway County to the late Obid Vernon and Ethel May (French) Garrett. He was married to Bertha Toole on January 27, 1941, who passed away on March 16, 2007. 

He is survived by his son Donnie (Barb) Garrett, of Lucasville; daughter Debbie (Steve) Hesterman, of Chillicothe; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by sons Steve and Mickey Garrett; a grandson Eddie Holstein; and companions Ginny Andrews and Dottie Lackey. 

As an awarded Army Air Force Staff Sergeant, he and his B-17 crew were shot down September 6, 1943, and went missing in action. They were held captive in Stalag 17B Nazi Prison Camp for 22 months. He was a lifelong resident of Chillicothe and retired from the former Mead Paper Co. after 40 years of service. The family would like to thank the staff of the VA Homeland Hospice for their care. 

Military graveside services will be held at 1pm Wednesday, March 22, in Forest Cemetery, Circleville, under the direction of Haller Funeral Home & Crematory.