Garretson, Mervin Donald

Born in Sheridan, WY; deaf at age 5 from spinal meningitis. Colorado School for the Deaf 11 years until graduation in 1942, then B.A. from Gallaudet College 1947 and M.A. from University of Wyoming 1955; doctoral studies at the University of Maryland were never completed. Taught at the Maryland and Montana schools for the deaf; became principal of the Montana School. Was associate professor of education at Gallaudet College for 5 years, then principal of the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, also serving 3 years as executive director of the Council of Organizations Serving the Deaf. Finally, served as special assistant to the president of Gallaudet University before retirement in 1990. Married Audrey Watson in 1948; they divorced 6 years later, and Garretson remarried to Carol Jean Kaull. Active in many state, national and international organizations of the deaf, including president of the National Association of the Deaf 1976-1978.