Alton Edward Gardner

Alton “Ed” Edward Gardner, 70, of Bloomington, died Saturday, January 17, 2015 in Bloomington, Indiana. He was born February 10, 1944 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Alton Eli Gardner and Ethel Viola Ellis Gardner. Ed was a long time United Methodist Minister.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Linda K. Brocksmith Gardner of Bloomington; two sons, Joshua Ellis Gardner and Jacob B. Gardner; a sister, Marilyn (Bill) Sue Doub; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Maxwell “Max” Ellis Gardner.

Ed was a 1962 graduate of Bloomington High School where he was the class president, Captain of the football team, was on the wrestling team and threw the shot put. After high school he went on to graduate from DePauw University in 1966 with a major in Philosophy and Religion, he was also the Captain of the football team at DePauw. After graduation from DePauw, Ed married Linda K. Brocksmith in 1968 and worked at Bloomington Convalescent Center from 1973 to 1983. While there he attained a Masters in Recreation from I.U. in 1977 and a Masters of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in 1983. He was ordained a United Methodist Elder in 1985 and served in several United Methodist Churches for 28 years. He received a Masters of Sacred Theology from Christian Theological Seminary in 2001 and wrote many journal articles. Ed retired from ministry in 2007. He was a beloved husband and father and brother and uncle and a man of peace and love.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 1:30 PM at Fairview United Methodist Church, 600 West 6th St., burial will follow in Valhalla Memory Gardens. Visitation is scheduled prior to services on Wednesday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM in the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Deremiah-Frye Mortuary, Greene & Harrell Chapel. Lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to either the Asbury Chapel United Methodist Church, 11744 E Ragsdale Rd, Bicknell, IN 47512 or to Fairview United Methodist Church, 600 West 6th Street, Bloomington, IN 47404.