Gene Garrison, age 91, died September 20, 2026, in Towsley Village, Chelsea. Gene was born August 1, 1935, to Delmer and Ethel (Townsend) Garrison in Hudson, Michigan. He graduated from Lima (Ohio) Shawnee High School and attended Ohio Wesleyan University and The University of Michigan School of Dentistry; graduating from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1962 with his M.D. A rotating internship from Grace Hospital, Detroit, followed.
Gene and Ruth Garn were united in marriage June 10, 1957, celebrating over 69 years together. They lived in Ann Arbor and Oak Park, settling in Saline in 1963, when Gene joined the practice of Rudy Douthat, M.D. Gene soon became a beloved, well thought of physician opening his own solo family practice (retiring 1/1/1999) across the driveway from his home. A short stint in the U.S. Navy briefly interrupted his practice when he was drafted during Viet Nam.
Gene was active in the Saline Community serving many years as Health Officer, etc. He was the Team Physician for a number of sports at Saline High School, especially football where he was always on the sidelines home or away. Gene served a term as Saline Hospital chief of staff & as a co-chairman for an early building campaign. He was also on staff at St. Joseph Mercy Hopital.
Gene was active in the Saline United Methodist Church and later Peoples Presbyterian Church, Milan. Tennis playing became a favorite sport after trying bicycling and running. He was always a big U of M fan.
He is survived by his children, Christina Garrison and Robert (Ella) Garrison; grandchildren, Brandon (Jenni) Wiard, Hillary (Frank) Sanchez, & Mitchell (Kelly) Garrison; great grandchildren, Adeline, Lewis, & Stella Wiard; Jackson & Gabriella Sanchez; Redmond Garrison; and his sister, Linda (David) Storey. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, James, and his daughter, Elisabeth “Lisa” Garrison.
At Gene’s request there is no visitation/service. Memorial tributes appreciated to Aid in Milan, 89 W. Main St., Milan, MI 48160, or Saline Area Social Service, 1259 Industrial, Saline, MI 48176.
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