Submitted by: Dan Rich

Eugene Eddy Gardner

Feb. 2, 1925 - March 27, 2008

South Bend Tribune 3/29/2008
SOUTH BEND - Eugene Eddy Gardner, 83, died at 5:48 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2008 following a six-month illness. He was born February 2, 1925, in South Bend, the last of six children of Clarence Cleveland and Minnie (Backus) Gardner. He was a happy, active child, doted over by three older sisters. He enjoyed camping, hiking, and swimming. He was definitely an outdoors person. He also was a bookworm and cherished his school days at Jefferson and John Adams, graduating in June 1943. Following his graduation, he served in the United States Army for three years in the European Theatre and later served during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from Purdue University School of Pharmacy in 1950 and worked in that field until he retired in 1991. Gene was a dedicated pharmacist who took his work seriously and cared well for his clients. In his spare time, he enjoyed Little League umpiring, he played chess and taught chess. He was undoubtedly a crossword puzzle addict. He followed Purdue and Notre Dame Sports and the Cubs. During retirement, he spent many hours as "Driver Boy" for his wife's Avon Business.

Gene and Edith M. LaCosse Gardner were married August 17, 1946, in Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, South Bend. Edith survives, along with Chris and Lewis Gardner, their sons, and by his loving caretaker, Lewis' wife, Beth Ann. His son, John Gilbert Gardner passed away in 2002. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Joseph Eugene Gardner, Samuel Benjamin and Riley Gardner of South Bend, Ian and Jason Gardner of Valparaiso, IN, and Daniel Tollens of Charleston, SC. We'll miss grandpa's advice, his quick wit, and his stories of World War II, which livened many a Sunday afternoon. We'll miss his soft smile and, more recently, manly handshakes and pats on the back. Gene was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Lewis and Bill, and his sisters, Elinor Buchler, Mary Dic, and Virginia Lewis. We thank God for his presence in our lives. He remains in our hearts.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 31, at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Rev. Ken Fetter of Hillside Missionary Church will officiate. Military rites will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Mr. Gardner be offered to Southern Care Hospice, 310 West McKinley, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend is assisting the Gardner family with arrangements.