Lloyd “Abe” Garrett, 78, of Bartow passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, after a brief illness.

He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran who flew the flag every day.

He had a long career in the local phosphate industry before retiring to his passions of rebuilding horse-drawn vehicles and making wood toys that he enjoyed giving away to anyone who expressed an interest in having one. Known for years to friends as “Abe” because of his beard and affinity for portraying Abraham Lincoln in local productions; time and his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren turned him into everyone’s “Po.”

He was a man of great faith and served in various capacities within the Wildwood Baptist Church. Among his proudest moments were several missionary and earthquake relief missions to South America to help those unable to help themselves.

Po was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mildred Garrett; his sisters Marjorie Harris and Jeanie Gough, as well as brothers, Curtis and Rod Garrett.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, June Garrett; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Paul Hendrick; son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Kim Garrett; sister and brother-in-law Laurie and Harold Benton, grandchildren, Zachary and Jillian Hendrick; great grandchildren, Zhane, Eli and Nyla Hendrick.

Po believed that being an adult did not preclude him from adopting you, so he welcomed Elaine Schwartz, Lynn and Timothy Powell, Cathy and Lloyd Terry and Laine Blier into the warmth and love of his family as one of his own.

A Celebration of Life will begin with visitation at 5 p.m. on Tuesday with a short service to follow at 6 p.m. at the Wildwood Baptist Church, 1120 S. Woodlawn Ave., Bartow.

The family asks in lieu of flowers you consider making a donation to the Wildwood Baptist Church Building Fund.

Whidden-McLean Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.