Wilbert A. Garrett, Sr.

On November 18, 1944, in Langston, Oklahoma, William Carney Garrett and Mary Anner (Pope) Garrett, welcomed the birth of their second son, who they named Wilbert Augustus Garrett. They raised their boys in a loving Christian home. Wilbert and his older brother, William (now deceased), were introduced to Christ in their home and simultaneously at the Mount Calvary Baptist Church, the church next door to their home in Muskogee, Oklahoma. They were baptized in that church and actively served God there until they graduated from high school. During these formative years, they were also introduced to academic excellence coupled with a love of music. Largely because of their parents’ influential rearing and supportive example, both William and Wilbert excelled in academics and music throughout their school years which laid a foundation for their future success. They were often called the ‘Garrett Boys’ in the community, school and church, a testament to their spirit of excellence.

Wilbert accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Muskogee. He was an accomplished and proud trumpeter in the historic Manual Training High School marching band, graduating with the class of 1962. Following high school, he attended Oklahoma’s only HBCU, Langston University, graduating in 1967. He became a proud member of the Beta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, which was the first Divine Nine chapter in the state.

Following college graduation in 1967, Wilbert accepted a position teaching Mathematics in Minneapolis, which was the same year his first child, K. Michelle, was born. He did not enjoy the Minnesota snow and vowed if it snowed again in May, he was moving. And that is exactly what happened. Wilbert relocated to Quad Cities IA/IL to attend the engineering program at the Rock Island Arsenal. It was there that he met Deborah Jean Dixon, and they were married on August 30, 1968. To their union two children were born, Jada Ann and Wilbert, Jr. (Will). 

“Garrett”, as many of his friends fondly referred to him, was proud of all three of his children and found great joy in advising them and bragging about their accomplishments. 

In his own career, Wilbert was an engineer with the Department of Defense. In this role he managed data engineering on some of the nation’s most complex Apache and Patriot air defense systems. With the same spirit of excellence instilled in his formative years, Wilbert advanced to positions of increasing responsibility and managed manufacturing and systems engineers, overseeing teams that handled weapon system development. Wilbert retired in December 1999 as Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Director of Industrial Capabilities & Assessments.

Early retirement afforded Wilbert the opportunity to focus on his health and pursue adventures that interested him, including many thrilling trips with Deborah on his motorcycle. A sports car enthusiast, Wilbert also owned and admired many Camaros over the years and found joy in his cars. He was also well-read and a brilliant history buff who never shied away from a great debate about politics ... or anything else.

In his later years he worshipped at First Baptist Church of Guilford in Columbia, Maryland, rekindling his youthful faith in Christ. 

Wilbert passed from this earthly life to Life Eternal on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at his home. His children all marveled that even in death, their father did it his way. A graveside service will be held at 1pm on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Pine Hill Cemetery, Davenport, Iowa.

His wife Deborah preceded Wilbert in returning to the Creator, as did his parents, older brother and other beloved relatives. He leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy, his children: his son, Wilbert, Jr. (Shauntel); his daughters, K. Michelle (Michael) and Jada Ann, several nieces and nephews, including Cyrus, Melissa, De Ann, and Kim, in addition to many cherished cousins, schoolmates and friends.

And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it…

Ecclesiastes 12:7

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.