Obituary of Richard Gardner

Richard Donald Gardner was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 29, 1943. He was one of three children born from the union of the late Donald Gardner and the late Margaret (Fair) Gardner. He grew up in the Toledo area, and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1961. Later he attended the University of Toledo. Richard worked along side the former Sharon Milliman at Reckett-Benckiser in Rockwood, Michigan as a machine operator for more than twenty-four years. She would be the love of his life and they were married on February 15, 1986 in the Trinity Lutheran Church Chapel. Richard retired when the plant closed in 2001. Richard was an old story teller, and he enjoyed sharing his tales with others. He was an avid sports fan especially loving hockey, college football, and baseball. He was a member and past board member of the Canvasback Gun Club. At the club he enjoyed trap shooting and playing cards. He had a passion pheasant hunting, and ice fishing. He was a member of the local Order of the Moose 884. Richard above all else was a great father and an excellent husband. Richard Donald Gardner Sr. age 66 of Monroe passed away at 9:30am, Sunday, January 31, 2010 at his home. His family had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe. In addition to his father in 1995 and his mother in 2000 his passing was also preceded by a brother: John Gardner in 1997. His memory will forever be cherished by his wife Sharon of Monroe; four children: Richard (Debbie) Gardner Jr. of Rockford, Illinois, Mark (Kimberly) Gardner of Monroe, John (Renae) Brooks of Monroe, and Stephanie Brooks of Shanawo, Wisconsin; a sister: Susan (Dave) Billups of Pemberville, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Jordan, Tiffany, MaKaya, Chelsea, Mariah, Lauren, and Lillian. Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 8:00pm, Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 where members of the Moose will perform services at 7:00pm. A Celebration of His Life will take place on Thursday, February 4, 2010 also at Merkle's with the Rev. Roy Southerland pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Pak for burial. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to the Gardner family. Online words of inspiration and comfort can be made by visiting www.merklefuneralservice.com and then selecting the Life Stories page.