Gardner, Robert W. August 16, 1935 - July 1, 2013

Robert William Gardner, the only son of Paul Theron and Mildred Fern (Reese) Gardner was born on August 16, 1935 near Collins, Missouri. God called him to his Heavenly Home on July 1, 2013 at Sac-Osage Hospital after a 23 year hard fought battle with cancer. Robert attended Ashworth and Rainey grade schools, then Faith Bible Academy at Roach, Missouri. In 1951 he met the love of his life, Bonny Wheeler, at Vista Baptist Church and on August 16, 1955, he married that love. To this happy union God gave two wonderful children, Jeanie Floyd and Lynn Gardner. Robert loved Ford tractors and farming. He was employed on the C.L. King Farm for 50 years. He often said he’d always lived within 3 miles of his birthplace. Robert loved helping people even if it was only pulling them up a slick snowy hill. His greatest thrill was to go “Muddin” with grandson Ben Gardner. At 6 years of age he accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized in the Sac River. In 1955 he was baptized again to join Vista Baptist Church. He loved to serve his Lord if he was needed as Sunday School Secretary, Adult Teacher, hauling children to Bible School, serving as Deacon or telling someone about Jesus. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mildred Gardner. Robert is survived by his wife, Bonny Gardner; daughter, Jeanie (Fred) Floyd; son, Lynn Gardner; grandchildren, Susan (Randy) Williams, Rachel (Jeremy) Rothmayer, Ben Gardner, Robert (Melissa) Floyd, Stacy (David) Rogers, Heidi (Matt) Aton, Heather (Trent) Berry; great grandchildren, Cody Williams, Jay Rothmayer, Rylan Evans, Quinton Rogers, Allie, Sean, Kira and Emma Berry, Cole and Bo Aton; his sister, Luella (Bill) Meloy; nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends and neighbors.