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Garrold Frank
Lyon
Oct 11, 1930 — Aug 31, 2022
Garrold was known as a man of integrity, with an abundance of patience and a remarkable work ethic. These character traits started at a young age and remained with him throughout his life. He was born during the Great Depression, the 10th of 13 children, into a large and loving family.
By the time he was 12 years old he was doing a man's work on the farm as well as attending school fulltime. He grew to be a big, strong, coordinated boy, but due to his responsibilities at home, he was not able to participate in afterschool activities or sporting events. Money was tight for the family after the Depression and Garrold remembered starting one winter with one bag of beans, one bag of wheat, and one bag of potatoes. He said the beans were the last to go, and throughout his life still appreciated any type of bean soup, no matter the weather. To help bring in money for the family, he left home for harvest season at age 16 and did such a good job that he was asked to stay on as a ranch hand. While there he met the farmer's daughters and one became his future wife, Glennys.
Glennys and Gerrold were married June 11, 1952 and moved to Independence Kansas where he worked as a police officer. While on the force, he found his desire for a vehicle with some "get up and go." Before buying any future vehicle he always made sure it had a powerful engine. In personality he was reserved, respectful, and mellow but had a lead foot when he was younger. Later in life, he enjoyed the purchase and smooth drive and acceleration of the maroon Buick Riviera and the silver Datsun 240Z.
Being one of 13 siblings, he and some of his nephews and nieces were the same age. He said they were some of his best friends growing up. They were a close-knit group and found it difficult when he was drafted into the ARMY and deployed to the war effort in Korea shortly after being married to Glennys. While proudly serving his country, his nephew and best friend, Sonny, died in an accident and his beloved mother died unexpectedly. He often described his mom as being, "As close to an angel on this earth as I've ever known."
After an honorable discharge, he returned to Kansas, and joined Glennys in a small-town where he was employed by Goodyear tire which went out on strike after a short period of time.
Garrold and Glennys relocated to Washington State to be near some of his family that had already come out West. Garrold was thrilled to welcome the birth of their two sons in succession, Gale and Gary. While working for the Richland Police Department, he had the opportunity to transfer to the Hanford Patrol. He later worked toward and certified as a Radiation Monitor, where he spent most of his 30+ year career, answering to the nickname of "Tag." He thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of farming which was his other fulltime job. After retirement and well into his 80's, he was offered a training position at the Hammer Training Facility. He took the offer and enjoyed the experience of teaching and helping the younger generations.
After retirement, he continued to farm and ranch fulltime. He eventually stopped farming to focus on raising quality black Angus cattle with his son Gary and daughter-in-law Ruthy. He did not slow down much through the years and did it all, well into his 80's - feeding cattle, changing handlines, sprinklers, running the cattle chute, and much more, as well as riding his four wheelers and repairing/fixing his ranching equipment.
Garrold was hardworking, kind, and giving. For anyone that knew him or spoke with him for more than a few minutes it was clear he loved his family. He thoroughly enjoyed supporting his sons, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren in their sports, endeavors, and extracurricular activities.
After nearly 67 years of marriage, Garrold and Glennys divorced. Garrold remarried Betty Lyon and recently relocated to Oklahoma where he lived the last few months of his life. He surprised nurses and doctors with his youthful appearance and strength even until his last day on earth, just short of 92 years old.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, and his two sons, Gale (Gloria), and Gary (Ruthy). After having only sons, what he lacked in experience with daughters, he made up for with his four granddaughters. He is survived by three - Stephanie (Lucas), Lacey, Melissa (Joe). He adored his great-grandchildren and even when he could no longer recall all their names in order, his love for them continued to shine through. He is also survived by many loving family members, nephews and nieces, and friends.
He was the last of 13 siblings to go on to heaven and join his parents and many other family and friends in paradise. He is happy to be with his beloved granddaughter, Jessica.
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Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home
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