Walter Bertrum Garrett, Jr.

In loving memory of Walter Bertrum Garrett Jr., who passed away July 16, 2026 at the age of 100. Born on June 24,1926 in Matoon, IL, to the late Reta and Walter Garrett Sr. Walter Jr. was drafted into the Army out of High School where he was deployed to the Philippines and Japan during World War II. When he returned from service, he worked several jobs, starting out by delivering milk, selling satellite dishes, installing carpet, and finishing his career selling insurance for Prudential Insurance Co., where he retired from. After retirement, Walter & his wife Kathy purchased and operated The Kendall Store for 25 years until he turned 98 years old. They then moved to Virginia Beach, where he spent his life watching military jets, wildlife, and spending time with family. Walter spent his whole life volunteering in the community and was a life member of many veterans’ organizations including the ELKS Club of Kalamazoo, Michigan; The VFW Post of Decatur, Michigan; and The American Legion Post of Allegan, Michigan, where he served as the commander for several years and progressed to the 4th District of Michigan Commander in 1988-1989, 2002-2004 and 2016-2018.

Walter is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kathy; 4 children, David (Tammy) Garrett of Greenville, SC, Julie (Gary) Hotchkiss of Allegan, MI; Tangaline (Jessie) Greer of Gobles, MI; Franklen (Rachel) Garrett of Norfolk, VA; numerous grandchildren including, Monica, Beth, Rita, Keith, Andrea, Tiffany, Derek, Megan, Ryan, Danielle, Kasie, Trevor, Serenity, and Kaiden, also a lot of great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Reta and Walter Garrett Sr.; brother, Raymond; sisters, Veva and Janet; and grandson, Trystin.

Walter was a well-liked man and instantly became friends with almost everyone he met. Walter requested to be cremated with a graveside service to take place at the Kendall Cemetery in Gobles, MI. The service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday Aug. 15, 2026 at the Kendall Cemetery in Gobles, MI, following with a celebration of life luncheon at American Legion Post located at 632 Eastern Ave Allegan, MI. In lieu of flowers, he requested donations be made to Pine Grove Township Hall, 26520 County Road 388 Gobles, MI 49055, to be used for adding recreation equipment to the Kendall City Park and a City welcome sign.