William (Bill) Charles Gardner, 66, of Deer Park, TX passed away at 3:03 AM, Friday, October 4, 2013 at The Veterans Affairs Palliative Care Center in Houston, Texas. He was born December 25, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri, to William C. Gardner and Mary L. Lawson. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Mary K. Gardner of Deer Park, Tx. Also surviving are his three children William W. Gardner, Vincent M. Gardner, and Carrie L Gardner-Padilla. Eight grandchildren, Jessica L Gardner, William M. Gardner, Richard V. Gardner, Mary K. Gardner, Raighney R. Padilla, Megan G. Gardner, Deborah L. Hernandez and Zoe G. Hernandez; two great grandchildren, Alexander Miller and Daisy Gardner; two Daughter-in-law's, Stephanie L. Gardner and Brandi M. Gardner and additional family members, his mother Mary L. Mollas, and his sisters and brothers. Bill's father William C. Gardner and Step-Father George Mollas preceded him in death. Bill was a fighter; he never gave up and he never stopped fighting since originally diagnosed with cancer in 1994. Over the last 19, he was diagnosed with cancer three separate times. However, never lost sight of what was important in his life, which were his family and his passion of the "dog track". Bill was a Gulf Greyhound enthusiast, and for many years, he enjoyed his free time at the "dog track" that was his happy place, has he would say. Above all it was his family that he cherished and provided him the strength to make it through these last 19 years while battling cancer.
The day of Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Visitation will begin at 11am-1pm, then Memorial Service from 1pm to 2:30pm, then another Visitation from 2:30pm-6pm at the Del Angel Funeral Home located at 901 Main Pasadena, TX 77506.

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My husband Ken and me.
Sandra Barry (Lawson)
October 9, 2013
I am his SUPER cousin. His Mom is my Dad's sister, so that is pretty close to sibling. I remember way back when he and my sister watched American Bandstand every Saturday morning (and I wanted cartoons) ... so I unplugged the TV just as the number one song was announced. Billy will always be a great memory in my childhood. So sorry for your suffering, my sweet cousin. Hope you meet up with my parents...
Rhonda Lawson Mangan
October 9, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I'm a relative, but have never met him. My father, Ken Lawson is Louise's first cousin. Bill fought a long fight...the heavens received another angel.
Melissa Martinez
October 8, 2013
My prayers and condolences to you and your family
Angela Schlein
October 8, 2013
Carrie,
I met your father only once, but his warmth and charm were immediately apparent. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
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October 8, 2013
Sending love and Condolences.... Love, The Polstons...Janie Polston
Chuk Levy
October 7, 2013
I am truly sorry for your loss Carrie. My prayers are with you and your family.

James Crutcher
October 7, 2013
Pops was there for me when I was child and let me come in and be as part of the family. I always admired him for his love for his family and the way he treated even people like me as his extended family. All our prayers are with the family in this time of need.

October 7, 2013

Jerry, Darrell and Bill
Darrell Wilson
October 7, 2013
It has been a tough road for our family, especially for my big brother Bill. I hope you are in a better place and finally free of pain. Love Darrell
Carrie Padilla
October 7, 2013
Pops I'm going to miss you and all of our wonderful talks we used to have. Life is not going to be the same without you. We all LOVE you Dad!
Richard Tillery
October 7, 2013
Richard Tillery,Sr. if there are Greyhounds in Heven,and i,m sure they are,thats where to fond him. see you a later,bill
Georgia Fogo
October 6, 2013
I will miss your goodness, kindness and humor, and especially that full, deep-from-the-gut laugh! You were one of a kind and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Bill.
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