Nolan Garrett's Obituary
Nolan Garrett, 85, of Plano, Texas passed away on April 1, 2023 at his home.
Nolan was born September 2, 1937 in Mount Pleasant, Texas to Ervin and Marie Garrett. Preceded in death by his parents, first wife Joan, brother Earl, sister-in-law Mary Ann Hribek, brother-in law Albin Kucera, brother-in-law, Alex Jones and numerous cherished aunts and uncles.
While serving in the United States Air Force and stationed in San Antonio, Nolan met his first wife Joan in front of the soda shop where she worked. After completing his military service, Nolan and Joan became the parents of Annette and Sandy. Nolan and Joan were devoted to their daughters and, each other, until Joan became ill and passed away. After Nolan was alone for a few years he met Judy (Woodward) through a singles group. He fell in love with Judy, happily bringing her roses cut from his garden and doing the Macarena in the backyard with her. Nolan proposed to Judy, and her young daughter Emily to create a blended family that was as unique as Nolan.
Nolan provided for his family through a career in Finance after graduating from The University of Texas. Although successful in his professional career, Nolan’s favorite job was that of “OPA”. His first granddaughter named him OPA and that is how he was referenced by his granddaughters and any other young person who had a relationship with Nolan. There are endless photos of Nolan with a child or children hugging his neck and this is when Nolan would have the most joyful smile on his face.
Nolan was loved by many people for his kindness and loyalty. Living in an all girl household, he considered his first priority to be protector of his dollhouse. He often spoke of how lucky he was to have shared his life with two beautiful and loving women. Nolan loved unconditionally and valued knowledge and personal growth. He accepted each person’s individual needs; encouraged each to find their special interests and explore new things. He was proud of the lives his daughters had built and taught them to love nature, explore the world of travel and the importance of reading a good book.
Nolan was talented in repurposing any object he found into something useful; birdhouses, license plate signs, benches, cigar box ukuleles. He loved fishing, hunting, camping and being outdoors. He loved exploring family genealogy and old cemeteries. He enjoyed being an extra on various TV shows including Walker Texas Ranger, Dallas and various movies. He complained every time Emily brought home a new rescue animal but had a nickname for it and it was his new favorite friend. He loved his cat Bennie (aka Lt Dan).
Nolan was truly loved and while we will celebrate his life and we know we will see him again, his passing brings great sadness. Nolan is survived by his wife, Judy of Plano, daughters Annette (Chip) Hornbeck, Sandy Garrett, and Emily Woodward, granddaughters Alyssa, Alaina, ,and Allison, sisters-in-law Betty Kucera, Carolyn (Neil) Hermann, Ellen Jones, and brother-in-law John (Leeanne) Hribek and numerous nieces and nephews.
During Nolan’s adult life, he was a member of Custer Road United Methodist Church and cherished his friendships in the Pathfinders class. Memorial Contributions may be made to Friday Night Friends at Custer Road United Methodist Church, 6601 Custer Rd.,, Plano, TX 75023.
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