Jerold Earl ‘Monk’ Garretson

Jerold Earl “Monk” Garretson, loving husband and father of four children, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at age 80 after a brief illness. 

Jerold was born on Dec. 13, 1942, in Parsons to James and Mary Garretson. He graduated from Labette County Community High School in 1961. 

He worked as a mechanic for two years at his father-in-law’s shop. After that, he was hired with the Katy Railroad/Union Pacific Railroad in Parsons and transferred to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1984, where he retired after 33 years of service. 

On June 24, 1961, he married Karen Ruth Gudde. They raised three sons, Chris, Corey and Travis, and a daughter, Becki.

Jerold had a passion for fishing, hunting, baseball, football, basketball and other sports. He was a diehard Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals and University of Kansas Jayhawks fan. He helped as a coach and loved to umpire baseball games and attend his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting games. 

He is survived by his wife, Karen; his four children, Chris, Corey, Becki and Travis; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brother, Glen; and two sisters, Jean and Sally. 

Jerold was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary; and five brothers.

A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars, in Parsons. 

The family is asking those who attend to wear any sports apparel.