Thomas Monroe Gardner Jr.

Thomas Monroe Gardner, Jr. passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025. He is preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Vicki Gardner (February 2020). Thomas is survived by his wife of 47 years, Maureen Gardner, his three eldest daughters Julie Simonton, Kelly Gardner, and Stacy Bazinet, and his eight grandchildren.

Known as Tommy to his friends, he was a proud retired Air Force Veteran and an avid fisherman. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana to an Army serviceman and a New Orleans native. Tommy grew up in New York and France before returning to New Orleans for secondary education at Brother Martin. In college, Tommy was an active member of Delta Tau Delta, Epsilon Phi. He joined the Air Force, where he met Maureen and they married in Fall 1977. They traveled throughout the USA and world, eventually settling in Colorado Springs in the late 1980s. Tommy retired from the Air Force then continued to support our country in private roles until his formal retirement over 10 years ago. Tommy was charismatic and an energetic story-teller; he made life-long friends along the way.

Tommy loved the Air Force and his family fiercely. He enjoyed fishing, camping, Cajun food, and football. He proudly taught each of his girls (his “babes”) how to ride bikes, pitch a tent, and catch fish. In more recent years, Tommy especially enjoyed his time discussing college football with his daughter Vicki, attending Kiss and Def Leppard concerts, lifting weights, and supporting LSU, Saints, and Broncos football.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to the Red Cross.

https://americanredcross.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.personalCampaign&participantID=12652

A visitation for Thomas will be held Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Dove Witt Family Mortuary, 6630 S. US HWY 85/87, Fountain, CO 80817. Following the visitation will be a committal service from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925.

Contributions in Thomas' memory may be made to American Red Cross

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