Clarence Eugene Garrison was born January 11th, 1939 in Solo, Missouri to Herschel James Garrison and Dessie Leona (nee Hamilton) Garrison. His family soon moved to St. Louis, and later to Steelville, Missouri, where he grew up, graduated high school in 1957, and spent the remainder of his life.

He was the third of five children born to his parents, and was welcomed into a home filled with laughter and love. Extended family was often present. Friends, and sometimes strangers were always welcome to stop by for a meal–one usually consisting of his mother’s delicious homemade buns and famous soup beans.

As a teen, Clarence worked at Wildwood Springs Family resort, spending summer days taking care of the pool and serving the many families who visited. It was during this time that he fell even more in love with a beautiful brown-eyed girl named Bonnie Mae Weber whom he’d been smitten with since their Junior High years. She reciprocated that love, and the two were married on March 9th, 1957. Their union was blessed with three sons and two daughters.

Clarence had a Godly heritage. Both his paternal grandfather and his mother were faithful ministers. While some of his siblings followed in that calling, Clarence never held the title of minister, or gave sermons from a pulpit, but the way he lived his life spoke volumes. He served in various capacities at Steelville First Assembly of God. He was a deacon for many years, the Sunday school superintendent, a boys Royal Ranger group leader, kept the grounds looking great, served in children’s church, and helped establish and maintain the church’s food pantry ministry. He had a servant’s heart and blessing others brought him joy.

He lived out his faith as an employee of IGA, Brown Shoe, and Echo Supply where he was known for his excellent work ethic. He made many friendships among co-workers and management that lasted a lifetime. Clarence also worked on his farm, and later Garrison’s Campground and Canoe Rental. He spent a lot of time on his tractor and outdoors, always appreciating the beauty of God’s creation.

He enjoyed spending time on the river, which earned him the CB handle of Riverrat, floating in his jon boat, gigging, and frying fish on the riverbank. He was an avid reader and had a gift for writing. He composed short stories and many poems. He was a great cook, often working alongside his bride to create delicious meals for family and friends. His greatest treasures were his relationship with the Lord and his cherished family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herschel and Dessie Garrison; son, Danny Garrison; grandson, Dustin Garrison; brothers; Jim (Barb) Garrison, Bill Garrison, and Orville “Obbie” Garrison; parents-in-law, John and Velma Weber; brothers-in-law and sister in-laws, June Weber, Richard Ryerson, Wilma (Richard) Nabe, Lavern (Paul) McPeters, Faye (Ed) Wright, George (Dorothy) Weber, Bill Weber and Sue (Richard) Asplin.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Bonnie; children, David (Billie) Garrison, Mark (Tracy) Garrison, Shelley (Jerry) Beers, Christy (John) Davis; daughter-in-law, Vicki Garrison; grandchildren, Ashley Caudle, Chelsee Garrison, Sarah (Justin) Smith, Jamie (Robby) Harris, Matt (Ashley) Garrison, Ali Garrison, Josh (Jill) Garrison, Jered (Kourtney) Garrison, Trevor Garrison all of Steelville, MO, Hannah (Wes) Sutton of Jefferson City, MO, Jacob (Megan) Beers of Salt Lake City, UT, Jordan (Taylor) Beers of Broomfield, CO, Emily Beers of Jefferson City, MO, Jonathan Davis (girlfriend, Grace Cruse) of Lexington, KY, Andy Davis of Springfield, MO, Tyler (Sophie) Davis of St. Peters, MO, Gracie Davis of Steelville, MO; great-grandchildren, Christopher and Bryce Mounce, Maggie Caudle, Jace Smith, Kamren, Emma and Ellie Harris, Trentin, Tucker, Charli, and Chloe Garrison, Emma, Zane, Clara, Griffin, Bowen and Blake Garrison, Jaxson and Garrett Griffith, Palmer and Bennett Sutton and Milo Beers; and 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Ellen Ryerson of Steelville, MO ; sisters-in-law, Pauline Garrison of Joplin, MO, Betty Garrison and Linda Weber both of Steelville, MO and Edith Weber of Chesapeake, VA; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews; other relatives and many friends.

The Family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.at the Steelville Assembly of God Church in Steelville, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026 with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating at the Steelville Assembly of God Church.

Committal prayer and interment will be in the Steelville Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in Clarence’s name to the Steelville First Assembly of God Food Pantry, P.O. Box AK, Steelville, MO 65565. Memorial envelopes will be available at the visitation and funeral service.

The Garrison Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.