Dexter R. Gardner

Dexter R Gardner, 80, a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, brother and
friend was suddenly called home November 7 th. Dex, as he was known by many, was
born on September 24th, 1945 in Afton, Wyoming to Low and Ada Gardner.
He was the oldest of four children and was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints on November 25, 1953. He was raised in Afton on 2 nd
Avenue in a home that his family built. Due to the shenanigans of he and his younger
brother, Kimball, this street became known to many as Hell street.
He was raised in a working atmosphere. It seems there was always something that had
to be done. When not working, Dex, Kimball and many neighborhood friends were
usually found somewhere on Swift creek fishing, building huts, or scrounging something
from the dump.
He spent a lot of time during high school working on cars and building things. He
graduated from SVHS and went on to spend a few months at Utah State University.
After realizing school was not for him, he moved to California and worked for two years.
He learned a lot during that time but missed Wyoming. So he said that "After I was
drafted, I joined the National Guard, based in Afton and moved home." Seven years of
the guard helped him see more of the world. He attended training at Fort Lewis
Washington and Leanord Wood, Missouri. During his time in service he traveled to
Washington DC, New York City and Kansas for Rifle matches were he earned top
marksman.
He married DeeAnn Nield July 10 th 1967 in the Logan Temple. Together they had 3
children, Kellen, Tara, and Blair. They lived and raised their children in Smoot and
Osmond. He did many things in his life to earn a living. He was a hunting guide for his
father at Forest Dell Ranch and Deadman up Greys River. He fed elk up the Gros
Ventre for a couple of winters. He helped his father log. He owned his own business
doing construction. Dex's talents were endless. He was an creator, inventor,
entrepreneur, artist, business owner, entertainer, jokester, storyteller, and the list goes
on.
He remembers every fishing hole, every dirt road, every mountain range, river, lake, and
trail he has been on and has stories about each adventure and outing. He loved the
outdoors and always said that is where his church was.
He was traveled the world and has done almost everything you can imagine but his true
joy came when he was able to share this love with his grandchildren and great-
grandchildren. Even on his worst days he would light up when his great grandkids
would visit him.
In Dex's words., "I've always felt myself an opportunist, an object of chance. I'm proud
of my heritage. I like to do things right, well and honestly. I pity the man who takes
advantage of me and am more than willing to do anything for those who don't. I love to
be in the company of care-free, happy people and I hope my children will be the same."
He is survived by his children Kellen (Shannon) Gardner, Tara (Farren) Haderlie and
Blair Gardner; his grandchildren Tyler (Kristy ) Gardner, Kyle (Graci) Gardner, Taylor
(Tanner) Crook, Trace (Lexie) Haderlie, Riley Haderlie, Emma (Logan) Hoopes, Makell
Haderlie, Haylee Gardner, Talli Gardner, Jaxon Gardner, and Elle Gardner; great
grandchildren Addison, Rori, Finn, Noah and Hunter. He is also survived by his siblings
Kimball (Pam) Gardner, Eko (Kevin) Paul, and Jane Gardner. He is preceded in death
by his parents Bruce Low and Ada Gardner.