Donald D. Gardner

October 29, 1932 - February 16, 2010

Mr. Donald Gardner ~ age 77, of Pineville, Missouri, was called to heaven at 5:50 a.m. on Tuesday ~ February 16, 2010 ~ at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, with his loving wife by his side.

Donald was born on October 29, 1932 in Pineville, Missouri, the son of Dolphus and Frances Drue (Cleveland) Gardner. Donald’s dad was killed in a farm accident in July of 1932. In July of 1934 his mother, married Clarence Gardner, the oldest brother of Dolphus. He graduated from the Pineville High School in 1950. Donald married the love of his life, Betty Fay Smith on July 6, 1953 and together they shared the last 56 years. From an early age Donald enjoyed working with machinery of all types. In later years he worked on his farm raising cattle, custom bulldozing, brush-hogging and baling hay. Donald loved animals and his best companion was his dog “Prince”. He also loved farming, gardening and get togethers with his family. Donald was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pineville, Missouri.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers ~ Floyd Gardner and Clayton Gardner.

He is survived by his wife Betty Gardner of the home; two sons, Bill Gardner and wife, Karen of Frederick, Colorado, Gene Gardner and wife, Karen of Jane, Missouri; a brother, Raymond Gardner and wife, Lynda of Pineville, Missouri; four sisters, Darlene Stillions and husband, Bill of Anderson, Missouri, Katherine Bridges of Amarillo, Texas, Eva Cornwell and husband, Tom of Farmington, Arkansas, Marie O’Brien of Jane, Missouri; a brother-in-law, George Smith and wife, Esther of Joplin, Missouri; three sisters-in-law, Sondra Smith of Neosho, Missouri, Charlotte Gardner of Pineville, Missouri, Louine Gardner of Pineville, Missouri; four grandchildren, Jami Gardner, Clinton Gardner, Justin Gardner and Tara Gardner; as well as a host of other family, friends and neighbors that will dearly miss Donald.

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Visitation

Friday February 19, 2010, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Walker-Dowd Funeral Home Chapel in Anderson, Missouri
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Funeral Service

Saturday February 20, 2010, 2:00 p.m. at Walker-Dowd Funeral Home Chapel in Anderson, Missouri
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