Mr. Adrian L. Gardner

Adrian LaShawn Gardner made his appearance into the world on March 16, 1974, to the union
of John B. and Sallie Mae Gardner. Known as "Shawn" to family and close friends. He entered
the KC Missouri School system and matriculated through Mary Harmon Weeks Elementary,
King Middle School and Paseo Academy Fine and Performing Arts. Attending Paseo Academy he majored in Instrumental Music/ Vocal Music while affectionately gaining the name "Bubba" among his peers. Shawn made history as being a part of the first graduating class from the new Paseo Academy Fine and Performing Arts in June 1993.
Born and raised in a Pentecostal home, he accepted the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the
early age of 12 years old. Shawn quickly took the love of an organ and piano, playing on the
organ in the home he focused on enhancing his musical craft that he was blessed to have.
This talent would later present him an opportunity to attend Full Sail University, which he
declined to continue serving in ministries in the local church and to follow his dream.
Over time, Shawn served as Minister of Music at various churches including the New Landmark
International Deliverance Ministries, New Bethel Pentecostal Church, Westminster Baptist
Church. His major step came when he accepted his call to ministry, under the leadership of
Bishop James R. Mayfield. He completed his ministerial requirements through St. Peter Full
Gospel Baptist Church becoming an Ordained Minister.
He had a love for cooking, and his southern roots persuaded Shawn into an entrepreneur mode
which birthed his first restaurant Down South Grill. Running this establishment, he challenged
himself and ventured into the food truck industry which formed two popular food trucks Hella-
Bar-Cue and Show-me-Street Foods. His popular employees consisted of his nieces and
nephew whom you would see with the assistance from his staff Arron, Dre, and Kevin. Shawn
was able to share his love through his recipes and barbecue to family, friends, companies, and
communities.
His love for his nieces and nephews came natural to him, you would find him at Father-
Daughter Dances, dance recitals, homecoming events, band performances, softball and
baseball games, high school, and college graduations and so much more. Attending trail rides
with his close friend Prebis, teaching his nephew Manny ATV riding, the barbecue rules and grill
secrets.
Sunday, December 22, 2024, Shawn answered his final call and transitioned into glory
where he was welcomed by his loved ones who preceded him in death, his father John B.
Gardner Jr, mother, Sallie Mae Gardner, brother Kenneth Murrell and niece Arzelia Marshall.
He leaves to cherish his memories three sisters Tyran Murrell, Naishia Gardner of Lee's
Summit, Mo., Stephanie Gardner of Kansas City, Mo., two brothers John Gardner (LaVonda) of
Kansas City, Mo., Quentin Gardner Sr. (Christine) of Kansas City, Mo. His nieces and nephews
Maleka McGee, Rykiera Murrell, Quentin Gardner Jr., Ziyyah Gardner, Joshua Gardner, Rykiya
Murrell, Kylan Murrell, Jasmin Gardner, Rykyran Murrell, Rymyra Murrell, Zurric Gardner, and
God- nephew Arron Stuart. Childhood best friend Stetton Jefferson along with close friends
Prebis Burton, Lenelle Parker, Cleveland Drone and a host of family and friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Christian Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ 7405 Paseo Blvd. KCMO 64131. Interment: Moore Cemetery, Dubberly, Louisiana. Visitation: 10-11:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolence may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com.