ROBERT L. "BOB" GARDNER, 80, of Fort Wayne, passed away Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, at Countryside Meadows in Avon, Ind. Born Jan. 3, 1941, in Matthews, Ind., he was the son of the late Charles and Helen (Riley) Gardner. He married Mary Ann Meredith on Aug. 3, 1963. Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and proudly served as Captain flying B52's during the Vietnam War and the Cold War. In 2018, Bob was given the prestigious opportunity to participate in the Honor Flight. He earned his Master's degree and worked for Lincoln Life and the Fort Wayne Airport until his retirement. While living in Fort Wayne, he attended Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Bob loved kids and volunteered for Junior Achievement and at several elementary schools. The students he read to always loved "Mr. Bob." One of Bob's passions was running, and he ran in several marathons. Bob also enjoyed playing golf, doing puzzles, and spending time with his family. He spent many hours writing memoirs about his life and his family. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Gardner of Fort Wayne; two daughters, Denise (Dennis) Paramore of Indianapolis and Angela (Ryan) King of Rome City, Ind.; two sisters, Diane (Hugh) Salmons of Kansas City, Mo., and Cathy (Dan) Manson of Fort Wayne; and two grandchildren, Julia and Nick Paramore. As per Bob's wishes, he will be cremated and memorial services will be held at a later date with burial in Matthews Cemetery, Matthews, Ind. Arrangements are entrusted to Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Road, Marion, Ind. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601; or to the Jorgensen Branch of the Y.M.C.A. 10313 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne, IN. 46804. Online condolences may be shared at www.ravenchoate.com