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Harold Garman

August 13, 2019
Kalamazoo, MI

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Harold Garman, 96, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2019. He was born December 24, 1922 in Kewanna, IN to the late Carrow and Sunshine (Zimpleman) Garman. Harold was united in marriage to Mary "Beth" Newcomer on July 15, 1945. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 until honorably discharged in 1945. For a detailed history of Harold's younger years and WWII experience including his time as a POW, please visit https://wggarman.wixsite.com/2ndlthggarmanpow. Following the War, Harold entered Purdue University where he graduated in 3 years with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Upon graduation, he, Mary Beth and Valerie, their first child, moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where he was employed by The UpJohn Company (Pfizer) for the next 36 years. Harold and Mary Beth were very active in the First United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo and the missionary services supported by the church. Harold spent his leisure time farming and gardening in Comstock Township where they lived for 40 years and raised 4 sons. He volunteered his time with 4-H as a softball coach. He also played softball with the church league, and enjoyed bowling, golfing, camping, and yelling at the kids for losing his tools and leaving the barn door open. He also was a master at table tennis and enjoyed beating his four sons with great ease. In the later years, the tables were turned and his sons were able to win a game or two, because, according to Harold, he let them. He also pointed out that he was over 80 years old. We will miss those times of laughter and bonding. Following retirement, Harold and Mary Beth volunteered with the Red Cross in disaster relief. They also volunteered their time for numerous organizations including World Missionary Service and Evangelism with whom they traveled extensively throughout the world. They were avid Square Dancers and belonged to the Out-A-Rounds with whom they danced and camped well into their 80's. He had a full life, lived with vigor, joy and appreciation for all the blessings God bestowed upon him. And now, his adventure continues... Harold is survived by his wife, Mary Beth Garman; sons, Stephen (Mary) Garman, Wes (Nancy) Garman, Curtis (Bridget) Garman and Timothy (Deborah) Garman; 14 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Valerie Garman; a son, Richard Garman; 4 brothers; and 2 sisters. The family will greet friends and family on Saturday, September 28 from 1-2pm at the Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, where a memorial service will start at 2pm with reception following at the church. Services are entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S. Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. A private interment will take place at a later date at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South. Memorial donations may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Michigan. Please visit Harold's personalized webpage at htps://www.langelands.com