Ausby "Earl" Garrard

Ausby "Earl" Garrard, 83, of Palestine, IL, died in the comfort of his home on Friday, July 9, 2021. He was born January 28, 1938, the son of Ausby E. Garrard & Lyma (Allegree) Garrard of Palestine. In the 4th grade, he befriended the girl that would eventually become his wife, Martha Jane Mahaney (Sweetie). They spent innumerable hours at the Newton skating rink during their younger years, and in doing so, built a foundation of friendship and love that led them down the altar on May 24, 1958. Upon his graduation from Palestine High School, Earl (or "Auz" as he was known to many of his friends) decided to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. He would go on to serve in the Reserves for several years after his honorable discharge as well. Back home, he found work with Marathon Oil. Here, he worked many productive years and was on the voluntary emergency response team before retiring in July of 1994. Away from work, Earl and Marty enjoyed attending many dances alongside a host of friends. They could attest to the couple's love of waltzes, in particular. Earl was a staple of the LaMotte Fire Protection District, having served many years as a volunteer fireman. He was also a longtime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The life of Earl Garrard humbles those he leaves behind. After all, his was a life marked by selfless service to his country, commitment to his community, and love to his family. His memory continues to remind us that life isn't measured by what you take away, but what you give away. Left behind to mourn his passing are his wife of 63 years, Martha "Marty" Garrard; his three children: Jane Perry (Mark), Jay Dee Garrard (Marilyn), and Shelley Yockey; his four grandchildren: Amanda Hosselton (Zac), Derek Staley, Curtis Garrard (Emily), and Bridget Yockey; his four great-grandchildren: Whitney Fuller, Kennady Fuller, Carter Staley, and Riley Garrard; his sister: Anna Ruth Martin; his brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law: Don Mahaney, Dale Mahaney (Pixie), John Mahaney (Marianna), and Nancy Wyatt; along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four brothers: Harold LeRoy "Butch", William, Robert, and Wayne; by twin sisters: Marjorie & Mildred (in infancy); by two brothers-in-law: John Wyatt and Jack Martin; and by his sister-in-law, Mary Combest. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 14, at the Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Palestine, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. A live stream of Earl's service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to either the "Palestine Public Library" or to "Good Samaritan Hospice", with envelopes available at the cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements. Following the graveside, Earl's family will be hosting a gathering for friends at 216 S. Main St. in Palestine.