Gene Garrison, age 91, died September 20, 2026, in Towsley Village, Chelsea. Gene was born August 1, 1935, to Delmer and Ethel (Townsend) Garrison in Hudson, Michigan. He graduated from Lima (Ohio) Shawnee High School and attended Ohio Wesleyan University and The University of Michigan School of Dentistry; graduating from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1962 with his M.D. A rotating internship from Grace Hospital, Detroit, followed.
Gene and Ruth Garn were united in marriage June 10, 1957, celebrating over 69 years together. They lived in Ann Arbor and Oak Park, settling in Saline in 1963, when Gene joined the practice of Rudy Douthat, M.D. Gene soon became a beloved, well thought of physician opening his own solo family practice (retiring 1/1/1999) across the driveway from his home. A short stint in the U.S. Navy briefly interrupted his practice when he was drafted during Viet Nam.
Gene was active in the Saline Community serving many years as Health Officer, etc. He was the Team Physician for a number of sports at Saline High School, especially football where he was always on the sidelines home or away. Gene served a term as Saline Hospital chief of staff & as a co-chairman for an early building campaign. He was also on staff at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
Gene was active in the Saline United Methodist Church and later Peoples Presbyterian Church, Milan. Tennis playing became a favorite sport after trying bicycling and running. He was always a big U of M fan.
He is survived by his children, Christina Garrison and Robert (Ella) Garrison; grandchildren, Brandon (Jenni) Wiard, Hillary (Frank) Sanchez, & Mitchell (Kelly) Garrison; great grandchildren, Adeline, Lewis, & Stella Wiard; Jackson & Gabriella Sanchez; Redmond Garrison; and his sister, Linda (David) Storey. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, James, and his daughter, Elisabeth “Lisa” Garrison.
At Gene’s request there is no visitation/service. Memorial tributes appreciated to Aid in Milan, 89 W. Main St., Milan, MI 48160, or Saline Area Social Service, 1259 Industrial, Saline, MI 48176.
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Comments
I am saddened to see that your father has passed. What a wonderful, blessed and long life he lived. Your dad was a fixture around Saline for so many years and a bit of Saline passes on with your fathers passing. Prayers, hugs and kind thoughts headed you way.
As a caregiver, as a father, as a friend …
I can only imagine my formative years without the Garrisons in my life! So many picnics, basketball under the garage lights, goofy jokes, a hamster that lived with a quick shot of penicillin on a Sunday afternoon and the chance to witness the strong bond of friendship he shared with my dad and with our family.
A closing memory … I had spent the evening watching your house while you and the Dr. were out with my parents. The Dr was driving the VW Karmingia loved and gave me a ride home when the temperature outside was minus 12 degrees F. I thought I was going to freeze in that little convertible be he had the heater set on stun and we were warm as toast.
The world has lost a great man, and I for one am super glad I had the Garrisons in my life. Hugs and prayers to you all
These latter few years were difficult for Gene and you. He is at peace now. I remember wine and cheese with the two of you on numerous occasions and of course your lovely Saline home that Gene worked so hard on with his handy skills. Sixty-nine years of marriage is a remarkable achievement and I know it is packed full with memories. May your grief be lessened with your memories of life together. He is greatly missed and certainly by his former patients.
Blessings to you. Linda and Scott