James Carl (JC) Gardner, 89, passed away Monday, May 12, 2014 at Pine Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Evansville.

He was born April 21, 1925 in Louisville, Kentucky the son of James Carl and Joe Hart (Beasley) Gardner.

JC graduated from Owensville High School in the class of 1944, served his country in the United States Army serving in both World War II and the Korean War. He retired from Marathon Oil and Gas. He was a member of the Haubstadt American Legion Post 194 and Indianapolis Post 707, Fort Branch VFW Post 2714.

Survivors include his children, Randa (Dean) Higginbotham, Bret (Kathy) Gardner and Leanne (Tom) Metz; seven grandchildren, Rachel (Jeff) Ennis, David (Barbara) Higginbotham, Rebecca (Andy) Harper, Daniel (Stacey) Higginbotham, Andrea, Greg (Emily) Gardner and Chris (Jenna) Metz; 12 great-grandchildren, Maddie and Meredith Ennis, Olivia Schmitt-Metz, Addison Metz, Ella, Evelyn, Elin Harper, Claire, Gwen, Collin Higginbotham, Kelton Sokeland and Corbin Gardner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 68 years Joyce (Wallace) Gardner on Nov. 28, 2013; son, Donald Rex and brother, Charles.

Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at Holders Funeral Home in Owensville with Kevin Miley officiating. Burial will be in the Mauck Cemetery with military graveside services conducted by the retired military veterans.

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the services time at the funeral home.