Donald Leo Garrison

Donald Leo Garrison Jr., 82, passed away November 30, 2025 surrounded by friends and family.

Don was born on September 26, 1943 in Wheeling, West Virginia to Donald and Myrtle Garrison. He grew up and attended schools in Wheeling. On a school bus ride in high school, he met his future bride, Barbara Smith, asking her to save him a seat on the bus. The two continued to date throughout college. Don graduated from McKinley Vocational High School as valedictorian and went on to West Liberty State College earning a math teaching degree. On August 14, 1965 Barbara and Don were married, each teaching math in West Virginia.

After 4 years, they decided to join teacher friend, Tom Staffileno, in 1969 and moved to Casper, Wyoming since the salary was double. Don was teaching at Dean Morgan Junior High with Barbara teaching at CY Junior High. Once in Casper, they expanded their family, having a son Brent and a daughter Debra. After teaching for several years, Don decided to go into sales. He sold everything from machinery for road construction, grease and parts for the mines in Wyoming, and pumps for any type of equipment. He always enjoyed meeting new people and seeing the Wyoming landscape from corner to corner.

Don was an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman. He loved being outdoors; camping, hunting, snowmobiling, and riding four-wheelers. He even taught his wife how to hunt to spend more time together on the weekends, mostly in the Shirley Mountains. He also took several hunting trips to other states and Canada. His son was his best hunting partner, and they had many adventures together until 2019 when his son passed away. Afterwards, he spent many days trapping coyotes and bobcats with a few very special friends.

Besides loving the outdoors, Don spent countless hours with his family. He took pride in his children, with Brent earning a degree in mechanical engineering and Debra a degree in teaching math. He adored his two grandchildren, Samantha and Brandon, attending various school and sporting events. He was proud of their accomplishments too, with Samantha becoming a pharmacist and Brandon an accountant. Don enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with them by taking them along on his adventures.

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara, his daughter Debra White (Brad), his grandchildren Samantha Yeager (Christian) and Brandon White (Brianna) all of Casper; sister Mary (Konnie) and numerous family from West Virginia.

A celebration of life and a reception to follow will be held Monday, December 15th at 3:00 pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2300 E 15th St, Casper, WY with Pastor Bert Eldredge officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or Access Yes through Wyoming Game and Fish.

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