Family, friends seek donations for Scott City man's burial

Family and friends of a mentally handicapped Scott City man who was found dead Saturday are seeking contributions to help pay for his burial. His funeral will be held today in Sikeston, but the family said they only have about $350 to cover the cost. The total cost of the funeral will be $3,500.

David Wayne Garrett, 40, was found Saturday in his apartment at the Colony Park Apartment complex he shared with his legal guardian and brother, Mark. Mark Garrett had been arrested for second-degree statutory sodomy and taken to Scott City Jail earlier in the week, leaving David Garrett alone in the apartment

"He was really worried about his brother. His father thinks he just grieved himself to death," said friend Mary Summers. "Last week we were talking about it and he just started crying. He was so worried they were going to put him in a home. He said something that just broke your heart. He said, 'I'm not going to be here much longer. I'm going up to be with mom.'"

Garrett suffered from asthma and was dependent on an inhaler and oxygen machine to combat the condition. Scott County Coroner Scott Amick said preliminary findings indicate Garrett suffered an asthma attack. He did not have his prescribed inhaler at the time of his death and showed signs of trying to operate his breathing machine in the moments before his death.

Dave Charlier of Medicap Pharmacy in Scott City said Garrett often came in alone to fill prescriptions and seemed to have a good understanding of how and when he was to take his medication.

Summers and Garrett's father, Sammie, discovered him on Saturday after not hearing from him since Thursday evening. Sammie Garrett said his son looked peaceful when he found him. "His breathing machine was next to him, but it was not plugged in. There was no indication that he struggled or suffered, none whatsoever. He just had both hands laid on top of his legs. He never lost his color, just looked like he was sleeping; very peaceful," he said.

Sammie Garrett said his only income is from the Social Security disability checks he receives due to a heart condition.

In his youth, David Garrett attended the New Dawn State School in Sikeston. Because of his mental capacity and sickness he was never able to work full time. He would occasionally mow lawns in the area for small amounts of money, but mostly he depended on governmental assistance and charity.

"David was kind-hearted and good-natured," said his father. "He never met a stranger. If he saw somebody he would just talk like he knew them all his life. He was a very gentle person."

Even those who didn't know Garrett recall him walking up and down Main Street to or from the Dollar Store.

Sammie Garrett said his family plans to apply for Scott County's indigent burial fund. Officials said that will likely provide only $200 or $250 towards the cost. They say the fund is rarely used.

Donations may be sent to Shelby Funeral Homes, 104 W. Olive St., East Prairie, Mo., 63845. The funeral will take place at 1 p.m. today at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245