Donald Gardner Obituary
Don was born January 26, 1933, in Barryton, the son of Forrest and Carrie (Branson) Gardner. He graduated from Barryton High School. Don married Betty Smith on June 20, 1953, and they moved to St. Louis in 1967. Don worked in the construction business for over 50 years starting at Pierson in Saginaw, Michigan to Evart, MI where he started his Gardner's Redi-Mix Company; to Gratiot County Road Commission, Pickett and Schurer of Grand Rapids, and retired as the City Fleet Superintendent from the City of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. After retirement Don moved back to Michigan to be with family and friends. Don was a member of the St. Louis United Methodist Church. His favorite hobby was restoring his John Deere 49B Tractor and competing in tractor pulls with his grandchildren as his pit crew.
He is survived by his sons Dennis (Susan) Gardner, Gary (Pamela) Gardner, Bruce (Jane) Gardner, grandchildren Daniel (Marisa) Gardner, Caitlin (Ruben) Aviles, Kyle (Tara) Gardner, Kala (Chris) Sivertsen, 11 great grandchildren, siblings Bonnie Jones, Paul (Vicki) Gardner, Marion (Dave) Latter and many nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Carrie and wife Betty.
Memorial services will be held Friday, November 28, 2025, at 11 am at the First United Methodist Church, St. Louis. Visitation will be held Friday from 10 am until time of services at the church. Graveside services will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 11:30 am in Forest Hill Cemetery, Evart. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Louis United Methodist Church. To view Don's obituary or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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