Richard Lee Gardenhour Sr.

Richard Lee "Dick" Gardenhour, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, went home to be with the Lord on October 2, 2025, at the age of ninety-three. Born on June 11, 1932, in Baltimore, Maryland, alongside his twin brother Charles, he was the son of Joseph and LaFerne Gardenhour.

Dick was raised in the small town of Smithsburg, Maryland, and graduated from Smithsburg High School in 1950. He went on to attend Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, where he studied physical education. His athleticism earned him a place on the school's tennis team, while his love of music and strong voice secured him a spot in the esteemed Lenoir-Rhyne A Cappella Choir. After graduation, he taught physical education at New Windsor High School.

While at Lenoir-Rhyne, Dick met his sweetheart, Susan Patricia "Patsy" Forbes. The two married in 1954, settling in Smithsburg to raise their family. Dick worked as a sales representative for Bonded Applicators Roofing Company in Hagerstown for over twenty years before striking out on his own to found Gardenhour Roofing Company.

Dick joined The Masons and became Past Master of Salem Lodge 196 of Smithsburg, Maryland. A faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Smithsburg for over 70 years, Dick sang in the choir for many of them. He never lost his beautiful bass voice and, if able, would have continued singing well into his later years. In recent times, he could often be found in what his family fondly called the "Gardenhour Pew," a back-corner seat once claimed by his parents, Joe and LaFerne. Visitors quickly learned that the southwest corner pew was Gardenhour territory.

Dick was an avid runner and later a devoted walker, often saying he liked to "take some exercise." He loved singing, soaking up the sun, and most of all, designing and cultivating his garden. He was known for his sharp sense of style, particularly his fondness for turtlenecks. Dick was exacting in the care of his cars, never allowing the odometer to tick even a mile past 3000 before an oil change.

As a father, Dick was endlessly generous. On family camping trips, when his children asked for spending money, his response was always, "How much do you need?" After his children were grown, every phone call with them ended with, "Do you need anything?"

Dick proudly called Smithsburg home for over 70 years. He is survived by his children: Melanie Rae Davies; Richard Lee Gardenhour Jr. (wife Donna); Dawn Elizabeth Gardenhour; Patrick Scott Gardenhour (wife Andrea); and Joseph Everett Gardenhour (wife Susan). He is also survived by his grandchildren Brittany, Kalee Rae, Jacob, Zachary, Conner, and Carley; step-grandchildren Crystal, Danielle, Dakota, and Michael; great-grandchildren Aubrey and Landon; and step-great-grandchildren Kenzie, Kamryn, Kaden, Little Chris, Giuliana, Riley, Ayrabella, and Oden.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Patricia Gardenhour; his parents, Joseph and LaFerne Gardenhour; his identical twin brother, Charles Gardenhour; and his sister, Jeanette McCullough.

May he rest in eternal peace.

The family is eternally grateful for the compassionate care our father received from Hospice of Washington County, especially Krista Price and Sandy Weaver, and from the Right at Home caregivers, including Cassie, with special thanks to Mona Robins for her loving and devoted care. We also wish to express our deep appreciation to his wonderful neighbors, John and Louise Harrel, Bev and Aaron Orndorff, Kevin and Amanda Roof, and Kevin and Peggy Swope, whose love, watchful care, and countless acts of generosity brought comfort, companionship, and dignity to his later years.Thank you!!

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church 16 North Main Street, Smithsburg, MD with Rev. Virgil Cain officiating.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, charitable donations be made to Trinity Lutheran Church 16 North Main Street, Smithsburg, Maryland 21783.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home 1331 Eastern Blvd. North, Hagerstown, MD.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com