Thomas F. Garman

Thomas F. Garman, 89 of Fairview, died Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Erie VAMC.
 He was born in Bellwood, PA (Blair County), September 18, 1931, a son of the late Joseph F. and Nellie (DeArmitt) Garman.
Tom graduated from the Bellwood Antis High School in 1949. Following high school, he worked for the railroad. 
 He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1952 as America was fighting in the Korean War. Tom deployed to Korea with Company A, 5th infantry division. In October of 1953 CO. A, machine gun platoon, were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for actions in the vicinity of Songnae-dong. He also participated in the defense of “Outpost Harry,” was awarded the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the Korean Service Medal with 1 bronze star; The United Nations Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation; The Combat Infantry Badge and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, serving one year and twenty-one days overseas. He received his honorable discharge in 1954 with the rank of Tech Sergeant.
 Following his discharge from the Army, he went to work for Copes- Vulcan in Lake City, as a Field Service Coordinator, where he traveled for the company throughout the world. He retired in 1993 following 37 years of employment.
Tom was a member of the Edinboro-McKean VFW Post #740; member and treasurer of the Erie chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and loved boating, fishing, and camping with his family.
 In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Jackie Casaday.
 He will be greatly missed by his family, which include his wife, Dorothy J. (Hostler) Garman, whom he married November 28, 1967 in Winchester, VA.; his son, Jeffrey E. Garman (Barbara) of Waxhaw, NC; a brother, Donald Garman (Shirley) of Ashville, PA; his grandchildren, Matthew T. Garman, twins, Jessica E. Garman and Nicholas P. Garman and several nieces and nephews.
Tom always made friends with everyone he met, no one was a stranger in his eyes. He was always willing to stop and chat with anyone and share a laugh or a joke with them.
Due to Covid-19, services will be held privately by the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Commodore Perry Chapter 197 Military Order of the Purple Heart, 8520 Hamot Rd, Erie, PA 16509-4640.
To send condolences go to edderfuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Edder Funeral Home Inc., Girard

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