Fred T. Garretson

Fred T. Garretson

Fred T. Garretson, 93, died peacefully Wednesday evening, March 12, 2014, at Westover Retirement Community. Fred was born on May 15, 1920, in Handley, West Virginia, to James and Mae Legg Garretson, who preceded him in death. Fred was raised in Huntington, West Virginia. He graduated in 1938 from Huntington High School, where he earned distinction as the West Virginia State Champion pole vaulter. Fred attended Miami University for a semester, and then felt called to serve his country. He joined the United States army in September 1940. Fred served and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, the Colmar Pocket, across the Rhine and into Germany. For these actions, Fred was awarded the Bronze Star. Fred was honorably discharged in November 1945.

Fred married Virginia, his wife of 63 years, May 23, 1942. They were blessed with seven sons: Don, of St. Petersburg, Florida; Robert (Jane), Glendale, Ohio; James (deceased shortly after birth, 1946); Jack (Tara), West Chester, Ohio; David (Amanda), Alabama; Steve, South Carolina; and Patrick (Jeannie). His brothers, James L. and Dick; his wife Virginia, his sons James and Patrick preceded Fred in death.  Fred has eleven grandchildren, Bo, Robert and Matthew, John, Jenny and Tyler, Ben, Mark, Brian and Zachery, Carly and Katie. In addition, Fred was loved by his eleven great grandchildren. Fred returned from military service determined to complete his college education. He graduated from Miami University in 1949. Fred was a beloved accounting and bookkeeping teacher and football, track and swimming coach.  Summers Fred managed several community swim pools to supplement his income. As he neared retirement as an educator, Fred began a second career as manager of the Hamilton teacher’s credit union (formerly Hambuco Credit Union, now Aurgroup). Fred touched thousands of lives as an educator and athletic coach. He was the first President of the National High School Coaches Association, President of the Ohio High School Football Association and is a member of the Butler County and City of Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame. Fred and Virginia loved to travel; they visited all 50 states and numerous foreign countries. Fred will be remembered as a wonderful husband and father. He served his country, his community and his family with honor and distinction.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at Hamilton High School auditorium on Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 2:00p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made in Fred’s name, to the Westover Fund, c/o the Development Office, 520 Eaton Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45013.  The family expresses their gratitude to the wonderful staff and caregivers at Westover and the Coachhouse for their loving care of Fred. Fred will be greatly missed by his family and his wide circle of friends.  Avance Funeral Home of Fairfield, Ohio is assisting the family.