Clarence "Chuck" Gardner, Jr.

Clarence Thomas Gardner, born November 27, 1934 in Newport, KY, passed away at home on March 7, 2025. He is a beloved husband, brother, uncle, friend, and father of seven: Kathryn Harmon (John), Mary Hill, Margaret "Peggy" Foster, Heather Schneider (Scott), Holly Knauf (Jeff), Carol Cook (David) and John Gardner (Amy). He has many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also has many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Newport Catholic High School, Clarence, known to his friends as "Chuck", joined the Navy for eight years and worked other jobs as well.

In 1956 he married the love of his life Ruth Kathryn Lindsay. They would have celebrated their 69th anniversary this June. Even to his last days he carried a picture of his young bride and loved to show it off.

In 1961, he joined the Cincinnati Police Force. While on the force he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees. He was also selected to attend the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. After 26 years, he retired as a Lieutenant in 1987. His next career was as a Fraud Investigator for Star Bank. After ten years he decided to officially retire once again.

Clarence and his wife loved to square dance, and he was an avid golfer. As a child he played all sports but loved basketball the most. He loved to travel, including several trips to Europe with the International Police Association. He and his wife Ruth traveled in their RV across the country twice, visiting many national parks and historic landmarks. His last voyage was on a Caribbean cruise in February. In the last few years of his life he wrote his first novel, The Broadax Miracle.

They attended both Guardian Angels and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic churches. He was involved in the Hospitality ministry at IHM.

This Friday, March 14, 2025 his funeral mass will be held at Guardian Angels Church. The visitation will begin at 9:30 with mass following at 10:30. After mass he will be buried at St. Stephen Cemetery in Fort Thomas, KY.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Fragile X Family Alliance, 3415 Broken Ridge Dr. Mason, Ohio, 45040.