Melvin was discharged from the Air Force in 1945. He returned to Baylor University to study law. While waiting for the new semester to enroll, he was an ad in a small local paper concerning the theory and practice of chiropractic. The ad was placed in the paper by Dr. J. D. Thornton, who was practicing in Mart on a part time basis. Melvin had only been to a chiropractors twice in his life and was not favorably impressed at the time. He had an Uncle in Mart who was an M.D., but the theory of pills for various and all ailments could never make a convert of him. He prides himself in the fact that he, Anne, and his three sons have never used anything for illness but chiropractic, and his family has been exceptionally healthy.
After reading Dr. Thornton’s ad, he consulted his wife about chiropractic, and she encouraged him to investigate. Dr. Thornton was quite enthusiastic, and a convincing young Doctor, because in two weeks, Melvin was enrolled in the Texas Chiropractic College. He graduated in 1948 with a D.C., and a P. H. C.
He began practice in Waco in 1948 , with an old high school friend, Dr. Gordon Climer. although it was a very friendly association, Dr. Climer decided to move to Lubbock and Dr. Garrett was on his own. Getting a practice started proved difficult, and the office was open at all hours, and on Sundays. His wife encouraged him and his practice started to grow, and he has had a successful practice for years. In 1960 he bought a tract of land on an expressway, and built a new home and office. In 1964 he built a luxurious 17 unit apartment complex next to his clinic and named it the Mell Ann Villa, a combination of his and his wife’s names.
Dr. Garrett served in all offices of his local and district chiropractic association. He was President of his District three times, and served on various state committees. He was chairman of membership procurement for four years, during which time over 200 members were added to the T.S.C.A. He has served on the Chiropractic Public Health Executive Committee for eleven years, and was chairman of this important committee for five years. Because of his legal research, which is as complete as any individual chiropractor has done in the United States, he has advocated many changes from the legal standpoint, and has always maintained that chiropractic’s future lay in the courts, and not in the legislature. This has brought many critics and much criticism by his colleagues, but this has not changed his beliefs and recommendations, Melvin has the greatest respect for the pioneer chiropractors who cleared out such a fine and respected pathway for the doctors of today.
Dr. Garrett served as a member of the Board of Directors, and in 1958 was drafted by his colleagues who wanted a change in policies of T.S.C.A., and to run against the incumbent president. This brought on the largest convention and heaviest voting that the T.S.C.A. had ever seen, and at the Statler Hilton Hotel in Dallas he won the election by a very narrow margin. In seeking reelection in Brownsville, Texas, and the following year with almost as large a turn out as was in Dallas, the convention delegates split their votes, and gave a tie vote. Dr. Roy Logan, Corpus Christie, and Dr. Garrett served as co-presidents for the year 1959 and 1960.
Dr. Garrett has also served a president of the Gavel Club. He is a Lion, a Mason, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite and a Shriner. Past President of Lake Waco Country Club. He and his family are members of the Episcopal Church.
In 1960, Dr. Garrett received the Young Chiropractor of the Year, award, and he has continued to work for the association over the years since he first joined in 1948, and will continue to work when needed, as long as he is needed.
In 1967, his oldest son, Ronald, joined him in practice. Ron spent his first year at Palmer Chiropractic College, and the remainder of his education was at the Texas Chiropractic College. His second son Douglas, spent several months at Texas Chiropractic College, but decided to serve his country, and at this writing is overseas, and his plans are to return to Chiropractic College. The youngest son, Mike has one more year in high school, but has begun to express an interest in the study of chiropractic. Dr. Garrett has been responsible for sending several students to chiropractic college.
Anne, his lovely wife, is his office assistant, and has been the force behind him, and also the force that is often necessary in restraining him when his determination and enthusiasm runs away with him.
The cherished “Keeler Plaque” was received by Dr. Garrett in Corpus Christie at the annual state chiropractic convention. This was a momentous occasion for him, his family and friends. Melvin was most thankful that Dr. Clyde M. Keeler, was in the banquet crowd that witnessed the presentation of the Plaque to him. When Dr. Garrett received this great honor, and being a recipient of the Young Chiropractor, as of this time, he became the first doctor to be a recipient of both these high awards.
