Melvin L. Garrison age 78 of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away Tuesday August 12, 2025. He
was born in Hamilton, Ohio on February 25, 1947, the son of Charles O. and Lillian
(Newton) Garrison and was a 1965 graduate of Fairfield High School.
Mel was a proud member of the Whitewater Valley Railroad where he recently graduated
from their student brakeman training program, a member of Rivers Unlimited and a
journeyman with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
He had an infectious laugh and loved to joke around with everyone. He was always a very
hard worker and a strong man who loved to prove that even in his handshake. He enjoyed
dancing, zip lining, working on computers, building & remodeling projects, scuba diving,
white water rafting, dog sitting, training horses and flying planes but especially loved
spending time with family & friends.
Mel worked multiple jobs in construction, HVAC, mechanical engineering, and the

computer systems industry. Some of the companies he was employed by were Lehrer-
McGovern Inc., Travaglini S.N.C., RTM, Metro Plumbing Heating & Air, Klosterman Baking

Company and he was also self-employed for different periods of his life. He worked on
many jobsites as a project manager, but he was most proud of working on the Statue of
Liberty renovation.
He is survived by his children, Melody (Don) Richmond, Lisa (Rick) Hoelle, Brian (Tammy)
Garrison, Jason (former wife Stacy) Garrison, and Jeremy (Danielle) Garrison. Ten
grandchildren; Andrew and Angela Richmond, Johnathan, Jacob, and Julia Garrison, Jacob,
Nathanial and Alexander Garrison, Jillian and Jade Garrison; Six great grandchildren,
Xander, Kaylee, Rielly, and Luna Garrison, Aden Miller and Ventus Strine; His former wife,
Darla (Gary) Dirr and his loving, devoted girlfriend and companion Paula Goller.
The family would like to thank all the medical staff who have helped Mel over the past
several months. Your kindness, care and compassion did not go unnoticed.
Cremation will be done by Zettler Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Faith Church
1877 Millville Ave. Hamilton, Ohio 45013.
Visitation for friends and family will begin at 4:30 with a service following at 5:30.
Online register book at www.zettlerfuneralhome.com