Donald L. Gardner

Donald L. Gardner, 94, of Lone Pine, passed away peacefully, in his sleep, Monday, October 27, 2025, in Standish's Personal Care Home. He was born November 14, 1930, in Washington, a son of the late S. Margaret Gardner. He loved growing up in Pancake and attending Lone Pine School. Don was a 1949 graduate of Trinity High School. He served in the United States Marines during the Korean War. He was the oldest living retiree from Washington Steel, where he worked for over 30 years as a mechanic. He was previously employed by BH Swaney in West Virgina and RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. Don had many passions in life, one being his family farm and the love he had for farming, black angus cattle, and John Deere tractors. He was a Glyde-Ag 4-H leader for 25 years, a founder and past president of the Washington County Cattleman's, served as president of the Washington County Sheep and Wool Growers, was a member of the Washington County Conservation District for 16 years, founder of Ag days at the mall, and in 2012 won the Washington County Conservation Farmer of the Year Award, which he and his family were very proud of. He was also a member of Washington American Legion Post 175 and a past president of Lone Pine Baseball. Don was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan and even bigger Terry Bradshaw fan. On September 27, 1963, he married Nadene Jones Gardner, who died January 23, 2014 after sharing over 50 years of marriage, farming, and memories together. He leaves behind two sons, William S. Gardner of Washington, Jeffrey L. and wife Lisa L. Gardner of Washington; three grandsons, Scott W. Gardner of Lone Pine, Nicholas D. Gardner of Good Hope, Ill., and Parker L. Gardner of Washington. Deceased, in addition to his wife and mother, is his cousin, who grew up with him like a brother, John P. Gardner. The family would like to extend its sincere appreciation and thanks to Don's caregiver, Maryann Montgomery, for the last few years. Family and friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 30, in the Nichol Funeral Home, 1873 East Maiden Street, Washington, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 31. Interment to follow at Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Pennsylvania Youth Livestock Expo (PAYLE), 749 Flatwoods Road, Vanderbilt, PA 15486. A guest book may be signed for the family at www.nicholfuneralhome.com