Douglas Kay Gardner

Douglas Kay Gardner was born in Phoenix, Arizona on December 9th, 1944, to James Elden Gardner Sr. and Ellen Christin Henry. He passed away unexpectedly on February 11th, 2022.
His family settled in Mesa, Arizona, and he graduated from Mesa High School in 1963. He served as a full-time missionary in the North British Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly after returning home, he met the love of his life, Delene Starks. They were sealed, for time and all eternity, in the Mesa Arizona Temple on September 15th, 1966.
He served our country honorably in the Army Reserves from 1966 to 1972.
Doug lived his life to the fullest. He worked hard, played hard, gave generously, laughed often, and loved deeply. The things he esteems as most precious are his eternal companion, Delene, his family, and his faith. He enjoyed relaxing in the mountains and on the beach, riding ATVs, fishing, boating, water skiing, and spending quality time with his loved ones… especially his "Honey".
He is survived by his adoring wife Delene and their 6 children: Michelle Day (Rob), Doug Gardner (Rachelle), Tiffaney Gardner, Natalie McGee (David), Austin Gardner (Deedra), Trevor Gardner (Summer), and Kathleen Lopez. Together they have 23 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. They all love and honor their "Papa".
He will be sorely and profoundly missed by all who know and love him. His faith is firmly planted in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and he cherished his knowledge that families can be together forever.