Fred Garris

Longtime Lander resident Fred Garris passed away on Wednesday, October 13, 2010, at Westward Heights Care Center. He was 94 years old.

Fred was born March 22, 1916, in Valier, Montana, the son of Walter Henry Garris and Effie May (Adams) Garris. Soon after, the family moved to the Lander area where he spent most of his life.

Fred began supporting himself at the age of 16 working on farms and ranches as a line rider, ditch rider and harvester. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in North Africa and Italy. He began 30 years of work at Fremont Motor Company in 1948, first as a mechanic, and retiring as the Service Manager in 1978.

He married Lorrene May Booth on September 5, 1945, in Lander. They celebrated their 54 ^th Wedding Anniversary just before her death in 1999.

Fred was a proud member of the American Legion Post #33, eventually serving as Post Commander. He was also a member of the VFW.

He loved camping in the mountains, country western music, dancing and square dancing. He knew the lyrics to numerous old cowboy songs and sang them around many campfires. He enjoyed playing the fiddle, harmonica and guitar with friends and family.

He is survived by his son Rick Garris (Debbie) of Casper, and daughter Vicki Hitchcock (Jeff) of Rawlins; grandchildren Brian Garris, Brent Garris, Eric Garris, Jayne Hitchcock, Kate Hitchcock and Megan Hitchcock Moench; and great grandchildren Lauren Boyer, Ryan Boyer, Marlena Hitchcock, Cedar Moench, Evelyn Moench, Jordan Garris, Dylan Garris, and another Garris on the way.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife Lorrene and son Raymond Garris; sisters Catherine Peterson and Beulah Gaught Yochim, and brother Newton (Jack) Garris.

Burial has taken place in Mount Hope Cemetery in Lander.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 23, at the Casper Elks Lodge, 108 E 7th St, Casper, WY 82601-3126 - (307) 234-4839


at 5 p.m.