William D. Garrett, Jr

William (Bill) Garrett, born July 7, 1924, passed away into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 17, 2012.

Mr. Garrett was preceded in death by his first wife of 53 years, Betty J. Garrett, who died in August of 1998. Bill is survived by his loving wife Opal Garrett. They had been happily married since December 10, 2000.

Bill founded the first dry cleaners in Shawnee, Kansas, in 1946 and later Garrett's Men's and Ladies' Wear, retiring in 1992. Bill also owned and personally operated Garrett's B-B Simmental Cattle Ranch in Spring Hill,Kansas, for the last 49 years until illness necessitated his retirement.

Bill Garrett was very active in commercial real estate sales and development in the Johnson County area for over 25 years having been instrumental in many highly respected commercial and residential developments. Bill was for a number of years, a volunteer fire fighter with the Shawnee Fire Department. He was also a long time member and past president of the Noon Optimist Club in Shawnee. Bill was known for many years as being a driving force in the growth and development of the Shawnee area.

He was an active member and an usher in the Baptist Church. Bill was proud to have served as a Naval aviator during WWII, having enlisted at the young age of 17. He achieved the rank of Ensign and distinguished himself as a seaplane bomber pilot.

Bill leaves two sons, William B. Garrett and wife Julia Ann of Franklin, Tennessee, Larry R. Garrett and wife LaVerne F. of Spring Hill, Kansas, as well as two step-children, Dale E. Bailey and wife Sandra of O'Fallon, Missouri, and Jill E. Zeigenbein of Hamilton, Missouri. Bill proudly leaves behind 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2012, at the Amos Family Funeral Home and Crematory. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 23, 2012, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Overland Park, Kansas.

The family suggests memorial contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society.