Dennis Eugene "Gene" Garrison

Dennis Eugene “Gene” Garrison, 75, formerly of St. Elmo, IL, passed away at 1:15 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2025, at Shelbyville Manor, Shelbyville, IL.

Gene was born on March 10, 1950, in St. Elmo, IL, the son of Hallie and Irma (Blankenship) Garrison. Gene graduated from St. Elmo High School and continued his education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Gene earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agricultural Industries from SIUC. Following graduation, Gene began working as a high school agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor. He later worked for Richardson Brothers Greenhouses in St. Elmo and Exxon Oil in both St. Elmo and Louisiana. Later in life, Gene worked as a semi-truck driver.

Gene is survived by one brother, Russell Garrison and wife Rennie; three sisters, Norma Tharp, Pat McDowell, and Carolyn Stogsdill; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Lawrence “Frog” Garrison and Allen Garrison.

In keeping with Gene’s wishes, no formal services will be held. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL.