Richard Arlie Garretson

Richard Arlie Garretson passed to the gates of Glory surrounded by his wife of 65 years, Edna and his two daughters, Kristin and Melissa on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. 

Born November 11, 1936 at Stephenson, he was the son of the late Kermit and Nellie (Miller) Garretson. 

Richard was a farm boy who made it out of the holler to success. He graduated with honors from the old Herndon High School that sat across the railroad tracks at Herndon, a school he later became a teacher and coach at. After graduation, Richard joined the US Army with his brother, Clyde and spent time in Korea and at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. He was honorably discharged and used the GI bill as a stepping stone to get the education he needed at West Virginia Tech where he graduated in May of 1964 just months before his daughter, Kristin was born. He started teaching at Baileysville High School in Wyoming County and moved to other schoolers finally landing at his Alma Mater, Herndon. He worked on his Masters Degree and Principals Certificate and received his Master from WVU in 1968. He was Principal at Matheny Grade School, Glen Rogers Grade School, Mullens Middle School, and finally back home to Herndon Elementary and Middle School where he finished his career and retired. He had a host of great friends and colleagues in the school system, some of them were students he watched grow up, taught in school, and supervised in summer work programs, and as a principal. 

He was also a businessman having owned Mullens Taxi Company for over twenty years. He was friends with many local citizens in the Mullens area and many of the employees of the Norfolk and Southern Railroad. Some of the men he transported were friends and old schoolmates, some became new friends, he often spoke of these good friends. Richard was a fellow anyone could trust and befriend and now he is with his best friend, Jesus. 

In his leisure, he was an avid WVU fan and loved watching WVU football. 

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death a baby daughter, Joann Garretson; two brothers, Clyde and Warren Garretson; and two sister-in-laws, Lisa and Ann Garretson. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Edna; two sons, Richard, Jr. (Debbie) and John (Lisa); Kristin, Nancy (Rick), and Melissa (Jamie); five grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; brother, Kermit Berlin; two sister-in-laws, Judith and Dawn Garretson; and a host of nieces and nephews in Massachusetts, West Virginia, Virginia, South Carolina, and Arkansas whom he loved very much.  

Services will be 2:00 P.M., Sunday, April 13, 2025 at the Spruce Grove Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Danny Lusk officiating. 

Friends may call one hour prior to services Sunday at the church. 

In keeping with his wishes, he will be cremated following the service, and will be interred at a later date at the Garretson Family Cemetery, Basin. 

The family requests in leiu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia 454 Canterbury Drive Beckley, WV 25801.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

The family of Richard Garretson is being cared for by Tyree Funeral Home.