Eugene Alan Garrison

Eugene Garrison passed away Tuesday September 15, 2026 at the age of 76 in New Braunfels,

Texas.

Gene was a retired USAF major having been both a pilot and RADC engineer during his years on

active duty. After his time at Columbus AFB, Reese AFB, and Griffiss AFB, he and his young

family moved to Houston where he began over 30 years of aerospace engineering. Working for

IBM, Lockheed Martin, Singer Link, Raytheon, and Boeing, Gene was heavily involved with first

the Space Shuttle and then the International Space Station programs. He received many awards

over the years in recognition of his aerospace work, and he continued to serve the Air Force as a

member of the reserves for another ten years as he did so. Gene was proud to have both

served his country and made a career contributing to the U.S. space exploration program. Flying

and aerospace were definitely his dream jobs!

Survived by his loving family, he and his wife of fifty-five years, Marilyn, were blessed with three

children; Laura Ellis (Jason), David Garrison (Edna), Scott Garrison (Tonya), and four

grandchildren; Justin, Maggie and Vivian Ellis, and Lucas Garrison. He also leaves behind two

brothers, William (Carolyn) and Don (Yvonne), nieces Carene (Jon), Raina (Christophe) and Karla

(Will) and nephews Michael, Derek (Katie), and Jared (Marissa) along with many great-nieces

and great-nephews. Gene is predeceased by his parents, Pat and Dorothy Garrison, who instilled

in their sons the importance of service and hard work, and nephew, Mark.

Gene loved the Texas Hill Country and boating at Lake Somerville and Lake Travis. Camping and

waterskiing were his go-to activities for years, and he loved sharing the fun with friends, Ed

Baugh in particular, and family. His love of cars, especially Fieros, was obvious by the sheer

numbers he owned over the years. Retirement to New Braunfels gave Gene the opportunity to

drive to car shows around the country, and also gave him the time needed to keep those old

cars running! In the later years of his life, Gene was a familiar figure riding his bicycle each

morning around the neighborhood. Whatever he did, Gene threw himself into wholeheartedly.

Most importantly he valued his family, and he was a great husband, Dad and “Poppy”. We all

knew if we needed something, he would be there for us. His warm smile, sense of humor, and

generous heart will be a source of lasting memories for us. Though Gene’s passing leaves a huge

hole in our lives, we greatly treasure the time we had together.

The Garrison family wishes to thank the compassionate staff at Eden Hill skilled nursing and

memory care for their care these past few months and the excellent Eden Hospice team

members, especially nurse Regan Hoekstra, who eased Gene’s transition and supported his

family.

Interment will take place at Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery in San Antonio at a yet to-be-determined

time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Homes for Our Troops or The Alzheimer's Society