Louis G. Garrett Jr., 83, of Centralia, passed away peacefully Friday, October 16, 2026, with his beloved wife by his side, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, IL. Born February 21, 1943, in Centralia, he was the son of Lewis Sr. and Lucille E. (Curtis) Garrett. On April 19, 1966, he married the love of his life, Jocelyn Patricia (Waithe) Garrett, in Chicago, IL. She survives him in Centralia, IL.
Along with his beloved wife of sixty blessed years, he leaves three children, Kelly T. Garrett of Riverdale, GA, Laurice L. Rollins and husband Andy of O’Fallon, IL, , and Brent L. Garrett and wife Monica of Roselle, IL; seven grandchildren, Assonason “Sonnie” M. Rollins, Kalen T. Garrett, Alijah R. Rollins and wife Grace, Kameron Garrett and wife Tayler, Karrington T. Garrett, Aeneaus L. Rollins, and Sahana E. Garrett; five great-grandchildren, Amelia Roustio-Rollins, Arizona Rollins, Kiyomi Garrett, Anora Rollins, and Auburn Rollins; brothers, Eldo “Dickie” Garrett and wife LaRisa “Penny” of Milwaukee, WI, and Raymond Garrett and wife Cathelene of Carson City, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Sr. and Lucille Garrett; and his godfather, Clarence “Jack” Jackson.
Louis was employed as a custodial technician for the Lincoln Grade School and Centralia Jr. High, prior to his retirement in 2009. Before his Centralia school district position, he worked as a custodial technician with Centralia Cartage Co. and the Marion County courthouse.
Louis served with honor and pride in the United States Army, where he was specially trained as a Paratrooper. Louis was an active member of The United Community Club, formerly known as The Black Men United Club, and a member of Second Baptist Missionary Baptist Church, where he was baptized in 1957.
Louis enjoyed a good game of cards around the table with family and friends. Known by everyone as laid-back, low-key, and the strong, silent guy, Louis didn’t mince words; he always said what he meant and meant what he said. If Louis was speaking, it was time to take notice. As an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, he was known to get a big smile on his face with every Cowboys touchdown. He was a dedicated family man who loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins tremendously. Louis will forever be remembered for his loyalty, his steadiness in any situation, his admirable character, and especially, his immense love for his family.
Service Information
A celebration of life service will be held on October 31, 2026, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia, IL with Reverend Ronald Johnson officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to come to offer words of encouragement for the family beginning at 1:00 p.m. The memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Louis’ honor to the United Community Club (formerly known as Black Men United Club) and/or The American Diabetes Association.. Online condolences and memories of Louis may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
