Kenneth P. Garrett, 77, of the Short Mountain Community, passed away June 30. He was born in Cumberland Co., Ky. on Jan. 2, 1924, and later moved to Ind.
He entered the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17 and after basic training at Sheppard AFB Texas, went to Technical School at Lowry AFB, and overseas assignments. He was then assigned to Sewart AFB in Smyrna at the age of 20 in 1954. 
Ken married Marie Hale in 1955. He completed his military career in 1971 and along with his family, moved to the Short Mountain community, to the home place he and Marie bought in 1958.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie John Garrett and Mary Effie Pierce Garrett; siblings, Virgil, Verdie Ellen, Thomas Hershel, Clara Edith and Manual Odell.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Sara Marie (Hale) Garrett; daughter, Marcia Ann (Gerald) Melton and Melanie Sue (Frank) Nistad; grandsons, Matthew (Laura) Daniel, Caleb Daniel, Skylar Daniel; granddaughter, Tylee Xian Marie Nistad; and brother, J.E. Garrett all of the Short Mountain community.
After his military career, he ran his farm, had a trucking company for several years, completed college for a nursing degree, and worked as a RN for more than 20 years. He also served as a Cannon Co. Farm Bureau board of director, a ninth fourth district co. Justice of the Peace/commissioner, a fourth district school board member, chairman of the Cannon Co. School Board, Sunday school superintendent/Lay Leader of Short Mountain Methodist Church at Half Acre for 35 plus years, and president of Melton Cemetery Corporation for 20 years.
Funeral services were held July 3, in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Royce Martin and Gerald Melton officiating. Interment followed in the Melton Cemetery.
Woodbury Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
SMITHVILLE REVIEW
Smithville, TN
July 06, 2011