May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Lee, I've only known you for a short time - relatively speaking; and you've made me feel comfortable around you. A testament to your upbringing and family values. From what I have read, your dad was a great man and more importantly a great father. 
Thoughts and prayers with you and your family during this trying time.

Gardiner Family,

On behalf of your Allstate family we extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Gardiner Family.

What a blessing your Father was to us and so many.
We have many great memories with him and yall.
He loved others well.  His legacy lives on with
his wonderful children and grandchildren.  So blessed and
thankful for yall.  Praying Gods peace  We Love yall, 
Allyson and Harry Floyd

Dear Nancy, David, Charlie, Mark and Lee, 
Growing up, you all were like my second family--actually, the family I longed to have! Forever a jovial and spirited home, with your mom and dad always as sweet as they could be, cooking and caring for all of us! I loved  being over there with all of you--and eating your dad's pork chops and gravy! Your mom and dad were always very dear and the few times I saw them in adulthood, it felt as if not a day had passed since I was a 8 year old. All of you feel like family, even though we have lost touch through the years. I send all my love and many hugs to you and look forward to seeing you this evening.
Much, much love, courage and strength,
Carol

Dear Family all,
My!  How blessed each and every one of you have been to be descendants or in-laws of Don and Mary Ann Gardiner.  Don and Mary Ann had a good marriage and good life and produced a wonderful family. Bonnie and I cherish every memory of every visit we ever shared, and we are so very proud of all of you.  We remember well how Don and Mary Ann took our daughter into their home while she attended college there, and the whole family made her so welcome. 

I had such a good time at the grand party following Nancy and Ted Riley when Don took her hand and placed in the hand of Sen. Strom Thurmond, giving him the honor of the first dance, and I was amazed at the agility of the ninety-something year old senator as he cut the rug with the bride.

I was pleased with the acceptance of the family when Bonnie and I arrived at a surprise birthday party for Don.  He didnt recognize me for a while, seeing a quirky old man wearing a cap with a gray pony tail protruding from the cap.  It was always a fun family to visit. 

I enjoyed our visits at the porch, where I learned how to catch fish without a real lure or live bait. When I did the same thing at my pond, I knew once that I had something really big on one line, and it took a while to force it up close enough to the surface so I could see what it was: a turtle so huge that I had to call for help to get it off.  It was hooked in its tail and the head end was ready to take me on! 

It grieves Bonnie and me to be reduced to using walkers, along with having multiple maladies, at an assisted living facility, so that it is not practical to visit on this occasion, but be assured of our love and prayers during the pain of this fresh separation.  We do rejoice in the assurance of reunion with Don and Mary Ann, which, for us, will be rather soon. I passed the ninety year mark last December, and I am having fun, but not as much as Strom was having at my age.

Bonnie joins me in loving you,

Grady Campbell


Don was the sweetest man I knew.  God bless his family.
Peggy Cornwell

Don will be missed by many. His large loving family has many good memories. We know he is in our  Lord's loving arms and he will always be in our hearts as well.

To the family , I offer my condolences. I am truly going to miss Mr. Gardiner. His smile and always singing along with the other residents to his favorite tunes. I got my hug every morning and that's what I miss the most. Keeping you all in prayer Nancy, David, Charlie, and the family. From Gale and the Atria Family.

Dearest David and Mena and beloved family,
Words can't express our sorrow for the loss of your Dah!! Please know we will keep you close in our prayers and thoughts!!! If there is anything we can do to make this easier on you and yours, please call us.  Much love,
Thomas, Pamela, Edward and Hunter Elkins

May the God of all çomfort help you and your family through this sad time    2 cor 1:3

OBITUARY

Donald Parks Gardiner

14 January, 1933 – 1 September, 2017

Dunbar Funeral Home (Devine)

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