Gene Pritchard Gardner

Gene Pritchard Gardner passed away with his loving family by his side on April 6th, 2025. Gene was born on July 4th, 1929, in Louisville, KY, the only child of Sarah Francis Pritchard and Laverne E. Gardner. After graduating from Male High School, Gene married the love of his life, Ramah Leah Fentress Gardner, and joined the United States Army, working in the areas of engineering and cartography during the Korean War. While in military service, Gene graduated from the University of Virginia's Colgate School of Business before moving back to Louisville. Gene was a man of many pursuits, serving for a time as a Louisville firefighter and owning his own putt-putt golf course. In 1958, he graduated from the University of Louisville's School of Business and eventually became the President and CEO of the Louisville Cement Company. Gene believed strongly in service and was an active presence in the Louisville community, having served 21 years as a member, Chairman, and Treasurer of the University of Louisville Board of Trustees, Chairman of the University of Louisville Foundation, and Chairman of the University of Louisville Hospital Board. He also served on the Board of Directors at First National Bank, LG&E, Thomas Industries, Beaver Dam Coal Company, and was a Founding Director of Commonwealth Bank and Trust Company. Striving to improve the lives of children, Gene also served as a board member of the Kentucky Country Day School, Chairman of the YMCA of Greater Louisville, in addition to President of the Old Kentucky Home Council of Boy Scouts of America. Always an avid fan of local sports, Gene coached Little League baseball and football at the St. Matthews Community Center, was a co-owner of the Louisville Redbirds baseball team, and regularly attended all University of Louisville athletic events. In his later years, Gene was a devout member of Southeast Christian Church and continued to give back to others, actively serving in the Tally and Communion preparation ministries. Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 74 years, Ramah Gardner. He is survived by four children whom he loved dearly: Michael Gene Gardner (Kathy), Michele Gardner Hall (David), Dr. Timothy Logan Gardner, and Christopher Allen Gardner (Jennifer); seven grandchildren of whom he was very proud: Dr. Michael Gardner, Jr. (Jennifer), Mathew Hall (Kelsie), Dr. Rachel Fitzgerald, Logan and Megan Gardner, and Luke and Caroline Gardner; as well as five great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be 12pm Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Pearson's, 149 Breckenridge Ln. with a private graveside service at Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7pm Monday, April 14, 2025 at Pearson's. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contribution to one's favorite charity, the Home of the Innocents, or the WHAS Crusade for Children The family would like to thank Nazareth Home and Hosparus Health for their kindness and compassion during Gene's final days. Arrangements under the direction of Pearson's, "Where Louisville Goes to Remember". To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gene, please visit our floral store.