Entrepreneur, businessman Glen Garrett dies at 93

Deep roots, civic philanthropy in Monett, Barry County left indeliable mark on area
Businessman Glen Garrett, who had enterprises in Monett since the 1960s, died on May 26 at age 93. Funeral services were held on May 31 at the Arnhart Baptist Church in Purdy.
The winner of the Monett Chamber of Commerce’s Community Service Award in 2002, Garrett was a graduate of Butterfield High School, a US Army veteran, and began a lifelong interest in mechanics, working at his father’s welding shop. He worked as a machine operator at the Rocketdyne plant in Neosho in 1958 and was involved as a liaison engineer in producing the first five experimental rockets that became the second stage of the Saturn missile. In 1960, he and Purdy businessman Bill Roller started G&R Machine Works, producing products for Rocketdyne and other space-related programs. G&R opened a plant in the Monett Industrial Park, where Monett Metals is currently located.
In 1974, Garrett bought half-interest in the First State Bank of Purdy, later gaining majority interest with his wife, Sharon. The bank employed Jack Henry and Jerry Hall to develop computerized record keeping that became the beginning of Jack Henry and Associates. In 1986, Garrett purchased Citizens National Bank, with branches in Pierce City and Monett, becoming branches of First State Bank of Purdy that continue to operate today. The Monett branch was remodeled and expanded in 1992, becoming the bank’s main office.
Garrett served for 18 years on the Purdy Board of Education. He was appointed vice president of the Barry County Industrial Development Authority in 1992. First State Bank made numerous significant contributions to the Monett business landscape. He provided funding to keep major Monett employer Jumping-Jacks Shoes in operation until its sale in the 1990s to Munro and Company. He assisted in providing funds to help acquire land to expand Monett’s airport. He and partners acquired the CBA garment factory building in Monett, bringing in Big Smith to continue that operation, and later donating the facility to the Monett Area Extended Employment (Sheltered) Workshop, which is now part of Springfield Workshop Inc. operating in the same location.
Garrett donated land for the construction of a new Monett Chamber of Commerce office, and through the bank donated funds for the Monett hospital, school, library, and other facilities like the Child Advocacy Center, including the Drury College Building Fund, construction of the First United Methodist Church in Monett, which he and his wife attended for many years, reconstruction of Pierce City following the 2003 tornado, as well as supporting many community service organizations, like participating in the start of the Monett Chamber’s Festival of Lights program and helping to fund the Highway 37/60 Corridor Coalition that pushed for widening those thoroughfares. His donation of the historic Jumping-Jacks factory building in downtown Monett to the city contributed to the development of the Downtown Pavilion for public events.
In 2003 Garrett was honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals as the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year. He was named a Missourian of the Year in 2009. He also purchased Tri-State Motor Transit Company in 2002.
Amanda Lee, chief financial officer for First State Bank, posted the following statement on Garrett’s passing:
“We mourn the passing of a remarkable man. With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Glen Garrett, beloved father, esteemed banker, and proud owner of First State Bank of Purdy, at the age of 93.
“A pillar of our community, Mr. Garrett dedicated his life to building not only a trusted financial institution but also a legacy of integrity, generosity, and service. His vision shaped First State Bank into what it is today – a place rooted in values and committed to people. The Garrett family remains committed to carrying forward his legacy with the same dedication and purpose that defined his life’s work. His spirit will continue to guide our mission and our future. We are grateful for his leadership, his love, and the many lives he touched.
“Rest in peace, Glen.”