Ernest Albert Gardner

Ernest Albert Gardner was born on June 29th, 1940 to Betrice Leeks and China Lee Gardner. Ernest was a die heart Roosevelt Panther, and was considered 25th Avenue Finest. He got a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration while at Westville, but was an avid historian and mathematician. He enjoyed reading comic books and watching westerns on television and board games. He was an avid spades and bid whisk player, but he would quit if he lost too many games.

During Ernest life he worked for the Gary Steel Mill, Gary Housing Authority, Trinity Missionary Baptist, Brother to Brother Enterprises, Wal-Mart, the Indiana State Fair and Unified Vision.

Ernest was one of the first people hired at the new Wal-Mart, doing what he loved best, putting together bikes. He was the go to man in his new neighborhood in Indianapolis when it came to fixing all the bikes for the children in the apartment complex. He would help his grandchildren and nieces and nephews with their math homework. Wherever there was a problem, he did his best to solve it.

Ernest had an unmatched love for his children, and his desire was that they all knew each other and got along. Over the years he would call on some of his children to inform them that they had other brothers and sisters, and he wanted them to reach out to each other and keep in touch. Family strength and unity was very important to him. Whenever he would talk to them on the phone his face would light up. He especially loved talking to his girls.

Ernest was known everywhere he went as Pops, Unk, cousin and big brother, to a host of people. He was known for his loyalty, and his lifelong friendships. He had a no-nonsense approach to life, and if he liked you, you had a friend for life.

Ernest wasn't a devout Christian, but he accepted Christ later in life, and he attended Nehemiah House of Prayer Praise and Worship occasionally, but he was mostly concerned with the history of the Bible and how certain events in the Bible changed world history. On a family outing Pigeon Forge, TN in the Cligmans Dome Mountain Range, he said that was the most beautiful place he has ever seen.

Ernest leaves to mourn, his children: Reginald Gardner, Terrell Gardner, Mellonee Gardner, Tracy Gardner, Troy Mathis, Theresa Lane, IBN Gardner, Dara Gardner, Willie (April) Anderson, Wanda Taylor, Venisha Davis, LaWanda Blakely, and Quiana Gardner; 28 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. 

Ernest leaves to cherish his memories with his loving siblings, Melvin Gardner, Lula Leeks, Regina Leeks, Kenneth Jackson, Christopher Gardner, Leonora Johnson, Jacquilla Gardner, Unity Faith Boyd, and Marion Robinson.

Ernest Albert Gardner is preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Gardner Bey; mother, Betrice Leeks; father, China Lee Gardner; and siblings, Jessie Gardner, Nellie Boyd, Pearl Green, Elizabeth Leeks, Arthur Gardner, and Mary Johnson; and great grandson, Le'Don Brown.

In Ernest's 83 years, he lived an adventurous life and he has made an impact on the lives of many. Ernest will be greatly missed by family, friends and loved ones, but he is reunited with his wife, parents, siblings, and a host of other family members and friends who preceded him into eternity.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46250.