Junior Gardner

Felix E Gardner, Jr “Junior Gardner”, 86, of Deerfield, NH, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Mount Carmel Nursing Home. He was born on August 3, 1939, the son of the late Felix & Irene (Higgins) Gardner.

Junior was a lifelong resident of Deerfield, NH, and was one of the last graduates of South Road School. At 14 years old he started logging with a team of draft horses in Pawtuckaway & Bear Brook State Parks to help support his family. In the 1970s, he founded his own business, Country Well Driller, and spent more than 15 years drilling wells throughout southern New Hampshire alongside his son Bub. He later worked for the NHDOT for a decade before retiring. He also operated his own horse carriage business where he did wagon rides, weddings, funerals and other events. Junior enjoyed horse pulling, working in the woods, refurbishing old sleighs and wagons. A true Yankee, he loved bartering, finding a good deal, and could “smell” a pair of horses or a well drilling rig from miles away. He enjoyed traveling with friends and family throughout his life and if you were lucky enough for him to take you on an adventure, rest assured you wouldn’t be going home the same route you came.

Junior Gardner had the gift of the gab and has been the voice of the Deerfield Fair for over 45 years “It’s that time of year again, Deerfield Fair, this is Junior Gardner speaking.” He was twice awarded “The Golden Mike Award”, which recognizes excellence in radio news. He was proud to be a Deerfield Fair Association Member throughout his life, served as a director for 15 years and had been an Honorary Member for over a decade.

In addition to his parents, Junior was predeceased by all six of his siblings Bobby, Pearl, Bion, Beverly, Ronnie, and Richard, as well as his stepson, Richard Tarmy.

He is survived by his wife Elaine (Comeau) Gardner of Deerfield, NH, with whom he would have celebrated 30 years of marriage this year.

He is also survived by his children Brenda Chalbeck and her husband Kevin, Ginger Demers and her husband Pete, Bub Gardner and his wife Jenny, and his stepson Mike Tarmy and his wife Tracy. Junior leaves behind three grandchildren Elise & Brett Demers and Heather Chalbeck, two great - grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours. Burial will take place this spring in Morrison Cemetery in Deerfield, NH, with his immediate family. Future celebration of life plans will be announced at a later date.