William Garrett

William M Garrett, 94 of Lenexa, KS, passed away peacefully at his home on December 30, 2020.  Born to Floyd and Lulu Garrett, he was a lifelong Shawnee/Lenexa resident.  Bill graduated from Shawnee Mission Rural High School in 1944.  He married Edna Marx in 1948.

Bill was reunited with his loving wife of 62 years who preceded him in death on May 2, 2010, two brothers, Howard and Roland, and two sons, William Mark Garrett and Robert Joseph Garrett.  Survivors include his four children, Marsha (Eric) Nordman, John Garrett, Jeff (Brittany) Garrett and Lori (Nancy Kwilas) Garrett, six grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and a brother Gene Garrett.

Bill was employed with Minneapolis Moline Farm Machinery from 1945 to 1962.  In 1962, he opened and operated the first barbecue restaurant (The Hickory Stick) in Shawnee.  He expanded to a catering business and owned two additional barbecue locations in Columbia, MO and Overland Park, KS.  During his 20-year restaurant career, he had the honor of catering an event for President Reagan.  After the restaurant business, he was a realtor for several years and later, he and one of his sons opened a retail liquor store.  He retired in 1997.

He was enthusiastic and thoroughly reveled in engaging conversations.  A personal and unique story will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.  Pops, we will miss you.

A private service will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.