Haze Gardner

Haze Lewis Gardner, age 26 of Hitchcock, Texas, passed away Friday, October 17, 2025. Haze was born on May 20, 1999, in Webster, Texas, to Heather and Chance Gardner. He spent his childhood in Santa Fe, graduating from Santa Fe High School, and then residing in the area to start his career.

Haze spent his life fiercely devoted and loyal to his family. He was a respectful, well-mannered and honest son and a protective, generous and loving brother. Haze was proud of his family. He called his parents every day on his way to work and home from work, ending every call with, "I love you." His mom was his rock, his dad was his role model, and his brother, Brennan, was his best friend.

Haze grew up as a rodeo cowboy and loved team roping. He spent his weekends rodeoing with his family, creating memories and adventures that strengthened their bond. It's also why you hardly saw Haze without his cowboy hat unless he was hunting and fishing. He loved being in the woods. He also loved being on the water. He was a fisherman, and whether with a pole or a bow, he caught everything that swam. Whatever Haze did, he did whole-heartedly.

Haze was the brightest light in every room, and his smile was his trademark. It was contagious, and it never stopped. His smile, paired with his spirit of living life to the fullest, brought so much joy to his family and friends. Haze cared for, protected and lifted the people around him with his kindness and generosity. There was never a bad day with Haze around.

Haze was also deeply competitive. He was always up for any challenge, whether that was a foot race in Brennan's backyard, a corn hole game with friends, or a wrestling match in the living room. Haze was relentless in his pursuit of winning, talking smack while doing so and laughing the entire time. He truly was the life of every party. He worked hard, played hard and prayed hard. Haze grew up in the Chocolate Bayou Cowboy Church and was a devout Christian. In Matthew 10:33, his favorite verse, "but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven." Haze believed in the Lord Our Savior and lived his life with the purpose of serving Him.

Haze loved music, all kinds of music from old country to rap. He owned every Turtle Box made, and would blast them wherever he went. Due to his competitive nature he even installed a high-end sound system on a Jon boat so he could be the loudest on the water. His mom taught him to two-step at an early age and he never grew out of the desire to dance with her no matter where they were or who was around.

Haze grew up 16 months older than Brennan. They were commonly mistaken for twins. They were like two peas in a pod: where one went, the other went. From rodeoing to being a duo no one crossed, they were loyal to each other in the good and the bad, the rights and the wrongs. Haze also protected and loved his parents with an unmatched passion. His mom still picked out his clothes. From the time Haze could talk, which was full sentences at age one, he was saying, "yes, ma'am" and "yes, sir". His dad raised him with integrity and respect, and he admired his dad. When Haze was 21, he spread his wings. He became a journeyman lineman at CenterPoint and was enjoying life with the people he loved the most.

In Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Haze lived his life with honesty, integrity, love and a deep commitment to his family and the Lord. Haze is lighting up Heaven with his infectious smile. Haze was a man among men.

Haze was preceded in death by his grandmother Sally Johnson. Haze is survived by his parents, his rock Heather and role model Chance Gardner, brother and best friend Brennan Gardner and Alacia Sauser, grandparents, Larry Gardner, Carolyn Piel and husband Rodney, Ronnie Huebner, aunt Brandy and husband Matt Davis, uncle Shane Huebner and Casey, aunt Sydnie Gardner, numerous cousins, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Day Springs Church in Santa Fe, Texas, with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Joe Hejl officiating, and paul bearers Ty Isam, Braden Bouvier, Kace Childs, Caleb Jones, Yadir Muniz, Blain Cox. Honorary paul bearers Brandon Zumwalt, Chase "Tubby" Ostermayer, Steven Barrett, Chad Hansen, Jake Smircic, Austin Wingate, Blake Wingate, Wade Perkins, Josh Blankenship, Andy Kaufman, David White, and Justin Moody. Interment will follow in the Galveston Memorial Park Cemetery in Hitchcock, Texas. Graveside will be followed by a gathering at Hidden Palms in Sante Fe: 3706 Ave E ½, 77510