Donald Joseph Garland

Donald Joseph Garland, 84, of Danville, passed peacefully to his heavenly home ear Tuesday morning, December 3, 2024, after nearly a month in the hospital, making friends with all the nurses and techs even in his sickness. Born in Paris, Kentucky on March 17, 1940, he graduated from Franklin County High in 1959 and served in the U.S. Navy for six years. While in the Navy, he met a Yankee from New Jersey who introduced him to the love of his life, Marie, and they were happily married for 62 years.

Don was known around town as a guy who loved to tell stories and share a laugh or two, as well as help anyone in any way he could.

He lived in New Jersey for nine years, was transferred to Bristol, Connecticut, where he lived for thirteen years, and then came back to Kentucky and lived in Danville for forty years. He worked at Penn Ventilator in Junction City as the production controller for fifteen years before he retired in 1998 when he took up mowing yards for extra income. Everyone he worked for loved him for his fun-loving nature and friendly ways.

Over the years, Don was in a bowling league, played golf and tennis, and attended many local sporting events. He was especially fond of Centre College basketball games, where he made many lasting friends. He was also an avid fisherman and knew many of the best places in Kentucky to catch fish, but in his later years, his favorite places were in his son’s and nephew’s farm ponds fishing with the grandchildren.

Don always loved babies and old folks. Wherever he went if he saw a baby, he had to talk to it and make it smile, He and his wife were in the nursing home ministry for thirty-seven years and made many friends there. He also liked to hang out at the shop with his buddies, and he was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Don is known for his dedication to his God, his family, his church, and his country. If he said he would do something, you could count on him to do it. Everyone who knew him said he was a good man. And sweet. So sweet, he was always passing out candy.

Don is survived by his beloved wife Marie, daughter Debbie Maltais of Southington, Conn., son Dan and his wife Audre of Palmyra, Indiana, and six grandchildren who dearly loved their Poppy: Danielle (Justin) Allen, Andrea (Johnathan) Driver, Nick (Kayla) Garland, Grace Moriah, Asher Zadok, and Ryder Boaz Garland, and fifteen great-grandchildren who also love their Poppy and his funny ways: Elsie Prayse, Justus Maverick, Archer Michael, Journey Elliette, Riley Carys, Kaijus Rhiett, and Barrett Wilder Allen; Patrick James, Amelia Kate, and Annabell Felicity Driver; and Emmalyn Mae, Ezekiel Alexander, Xavier, and Zane Garland.

Visitation will be 5 -7 p.m., Monday, December 9, 2024, at Stith Funeral Home, Danville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Stith Funeral Home with Pastor Rudy Henderson and Bro Dan Garland officiating. Pallbearers will be Justin Allen, Nick, Asher, Ryder Garland, Jeff Garland, and Devon Shewmaker. Honorary pallbearers will be Todd Bryant, Brandon Ried, Barak Griffin, and John Shewmaker, burial will follow at Camp Nelson National Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, Don would love it if you would make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.