Chris Leon Gardner

Chris Leon Gardner, 58, of Blackfoot passed away Friday, July 2, 2010 at Copper Basin in Custer County from injuries sustained in an ATV accident. He was born May 1, 1952 at Williams AFB in Chandler, Ariz. the son of Spencer Leon and Bonnie Jean Whitney Gardner. Chris graduated from Blackfoot High School and continued his education, receiving a B.S. in Education from Minot State University in North Dakota and a Master's in Education Administration from Idaho State University. On July 23, 1971, he married Wendy Lou Barrus in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served as high councilman, counselor in the bishopric and was currently serving in the Young Men's Presidency in the Blackfoot 2nd Ward. Chris was a long time resident of Blackfoot. He was a former elementary teacher, coach and principal in the Blackfoot School District, retiring in 2008. He was a self employed builder and said he earned his Master's degree by building his own house. He was currently serving on the Blackfoot City Council. He officiated high school football and basketball for 30 years. He also officiated college basketball and many state and national tournaments. He enjoyed fishing, camping, motorcycles, skiing and traveling. He is survived by his wife, Wendy of Blackfoot; children, Derek "Cott" (Misty) Gardner of Boise, Idaho, Courtney (Jerry) Jensen of Salt Lake City, Utah and Cayl (Heather) Gardner of Logan, Utah; sister, Sharyn (Richard) Kearsley of Virginia and brother, Layne Spencer "Skip" (Melanie) Gardner of Blackfoot; mother, Bonnie Whitney Gardner of Blackfoot and father-in-law, Edward (Yvonne) Barrus; two grandchildren, Cale and Torin Gardner of Boise, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his father, Spencer Leon Gardner and mother-in-law, Norma Barrus. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, July 12, 2010 at the Blackfoot East Stake Center, 1289 Mount Putnam Dr., Blackfoot, Idaho with Bishop Collin Cook conducting. The family will meet with friends from 5-7 p.m., Sunday evening, July 11, 2010 at Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Ave., and for one hour prior to the service on Monday. Interment will be in the Grove City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Chris Leon Gardner Scholarship Fund, c/o Zions Bank, 1350 Parkway Dr., Blackfoot, Idaho 83221 Condolences may be sent to the family at condolences@hawkerfuneralhome.com.