JOSEPH W. GARRISON, age 68, of Lake Station, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at home while surrounded by his loving family. Joseph was a lifetime area resident and a retiree of US Steel Fire Dept. Joseph was a volunteer firefighter for Lake Station and served as the Public Utilities Foreman for the City of Lake Station. He was instrumental in starting the Lake Station Ambulance Service and served as Director. He had a love for drawing and enjoyed making hand carved signs for the City of Lake Station. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and belonged to Howlin Mad Detachment of the Marine Corps League and American Legion Post #454. Joseph was a member of the Griffith Masonic Lodge #735 and volunteered with the VFW Post #9323.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Judie; sons, Joseph (Tara) Garrison of Valparaiso and Jonathon Garrison of Lake Station; daughters, Angela Fraley of Valparaiso and Tamara (Scott) McMahon of Park Forest, IL; grandchildren, Amber (Adam) Paukowitz, Crystal Cawthon, Kenny (Jill) Cawthon, Cassie, Josh and Torrie Fraley, Nikki Garrison and Morgan McMahon; great grandchildren, Noah, Micah and Ellie; brother, Arthur (Darlene) Garrison of Hobart; sister, Pearl Garrison of Hobart; several nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Marceline Garrison; #1 son-in-law, Bill Fraley; brother, John.

A funeral service for Joseph will be Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., with Craig Harper officiating and finishing with military honors. Cremation will follow. Visitation will be Friday, May 6, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, (219) 942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.