Chester Garrett, Jr. was born on April 6, 1935 to Chester Sr. and Lucille Garrett of Owensville, IN.

He enjoyed playing and working with his brother, Gene and sisters, Greta, Lois and Karen on their grandparents farm. They were raised in the First Christian Church. Chet was an outstanding athlete in all sports at Owensville high school and played basketball under a full scholarship for Austin Peay University in Clarksville, TN, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree. He also served in the National Guard and received an honorable discharge in 1955. He earned a Master’s degree from Indiana State University.

Chet was married to the former Bettye Jane Gray from Fort Branch, IN, whom he faithfully loved for 58 years. She preceded him in death in 2015.

Mr. Chet Garrett taught students at Fort Branch High School and coached football, basketball and cross country. He became the first men’s basketball coach at Gibson Southern High School in 1974 and led that team to the semi-state tournament. He has also coached women’s and 6th grade basketball along with golf. Chet was a avid hunter. He trained bird dogs and hunted often with Mr. Murl Messersmith. He was a competitive golfer and continued to play until his last day.

He was the proud father of daughter, Dawn, and son, Broc, always teaching them important life skills such as sportsmanship, humility, doing your best, and helping others. He must have taught a large percentage of people in Fort Branch how to drive as he taught drivers education for 27 years. Mr. Garrett retired from teaching in 1995.

He has four grandchildren, Tara and Ryan Mabry of Fort Wayne, IN, and Corbin and Carson Garrett of Denver, CO. He has 14 beloved nephews and nieces. He will be remembered for his good character, gentleness, competitive spirit and love of family.  

Services will be on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Old Fort Branch Gym with Rev. Dr. Darrell Hillhouse officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Old Fort Branch Gym. Burial will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Fort Branch, IN following services.