Paul E. Gardner

He was born September 11, 1928 in Peoria to Charles “Al” and Anna M. (Kelch) Gardner. He married Nancy Paul on December 21, 1979 in Eureka, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister.

Surviving are his wife, Nancy of Bartonville; four sons, Thomas (Elizabeth) Gardner of Gresham, Oregon, Gerald Gardner of West Hollywood, California; Daniel (Silvana) Gardner of Silver Springs, Maryland, and Benjamin (Tami) Gardner of Gresham, Oregon; two daughters, Christine (Steven) Simpson of Downers Grove, Illinois and Elizabeth Gardner of Gresham, Oregon; one step-son, Steven Paul of Spokane, Washington; two step-daughters, Sherry (Rex) Mustain of Marquette Heights, Illinois and Sandra (John) Post of Peoria; three sisters, Sister Lucille Gardner of San Antonio, Texas, Mildred Bannister of Morton, and Frances (Marvin) Loeger of Metamora. Also surviving are eighteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Paul was a 42 year Journeyman Electrician working out of IBEW Local 34. He served in the U.S. Navy at the end of WWII. He loved the water and was a boater for over 20 years. He loved photography, flower gardening, but most of all he loved his grandchildren. Paul was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Bartonville.

A visitation will be Wednesday, April 25, 2012 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Bartonville, with Father David Heinz officiating. Cremation will be accorded after the service and burial of the urn will be at a later date at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Peoria.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Anthony Church. Please visit Paul’s Story at www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com.