Frank O. Garland

Frank was born in Colfax, Wash., on April 4, 1922, to Gerd and Addie (Wilson) Garland. He graduated from Colfax High School, and moved to Centralia, where he married the love of his life, Pauline Ruth “Polly” Dickey on August 30, 1942.

On April 5, 1943, Frank entered active service during World War II with the United States Navy. He served as an Aviation Radioman Second Class, transmitting and receiving radio signals and processing messages aboard ships, aircraft, and at-shore facilities. He was honorably discharged after the war’s end in 1945, and returned to Centralia, operating his family business, Eubanks Glass, which was started in 1883 by the Woods brothers. The Woods had a buggy and harness shop in the area for many years before selling to Frank and his brother, Stu.

Frank was known for his love of Chehalis and Centralia, and for his generosity and involvement in social and civic groups. He was a recipient of the 1963 KIRO Outstanding Citizenship Award, Chairman of our local United Way, recipient of the 1982 Centralia Chamber of Commerce Community Service and Business Improvement Awards, a founding member of Centralians Incorporated, which later became The Port, the president of both Centralia Rotary and the Centralia Chamber of Commerce, a candidate for Mayor, and Local Exalted Ruler at Centralia Elks Lodge No. 2435, the Elks State President, and was present at the rededication of the Statue of Liberty in 1986, as the Elks National President.

Frank was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He instilled a strong sense of importance of community service in just about everyone that he knew. He was an avid golfer and traveler- his favorite destinations were the Orient and South America; particularly Argentina.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Polly; son, Jim Garland; grandson, Matthew Kambich; his parents, Gerd and Addie; sister, Gertrude Stockdale; brothers, Stewart and Boyd; and son in law, Al Lyon.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Judy Lyon, Kathy (Jim) Kambich, Randy (Sherri) Garland; and many grandchildren; great grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and cousins. He is survived by the Ten O’Clock Coffee Group.

Interment took place on Saturday, December 22, 2018, at Mountain View Cemetery in Centralia. A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 2, at Centralia First United Methodist Church, 506 S Washington Ave, with a reception to follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, Frank’s family asks that donations be made to the Elk’s National Foundation or the Washington Tall Elks 2750 North Lakeview Ave, Chicago, ILL, 60614, or Centralia High School Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 1104, Centralia, WA, 98531.