Athel "Dink" Walls Garris

Athel “Dink” Walls Garris, 90, of Makanda, passed away Thursday, August 5, 2021, at his home, with his family by his side.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Rev. Tommy Monroe officiating. Military rites will immediately follow. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home.  Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at Alexander Memorial Park Cemetery in Evansville, Indiana.

Memorial contributions can be made to Cottage Home Baptist Church.

Dink was born July 21, 1931, in Wadesville, Indiana, to John Wilson and Mable (Walls) Garris. He married Janet Elaine Kistner on October 10, 1955, in Shawneetown, Illinois. Together they have shared 66 wonderful years.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Garris of Makanda; sons, Michael Garris of Makanda and John Timothy “J.T.” (Susan) of Columbia, South Carolina; grandchildren, John Landon Garris of Columbia, South Carolina, Leah Michelle Garris of Rockledge, Florida, and Lauren Ruth Garris of Columbia, South Carolina; sister, Maxine Putnam of Evansville, Indiana; and brothers-in-law, Jack Kleiman of Evansville, Indiana, Kenneth Kistner of Columbia, Mississippi, and John Kistner of St. Charles, Illinois.  

Dink was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Rosie (John) Rutledge and Elizabeth Kleiman.

He honorably served our country in the United States Air Force overseas during the Korean Conflict.

Dink retired from Sears, after 30 years of service in the Automotive Department where he was a mechanic and salesman.

He was a member of Cottage Home Baptist Church.

Dink enjoyed gardening and canning with his wife.

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