Jerry L. Gardner, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 7, 2023. A celebration of his life will occur Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM at King’s Temple United Pentecostal Church, 8951 Kingston Rd, Shreveport, Louisiana 71118, with visitation at 10:30 AM. He will be laid to rest in Centuries Memorial Park next to his beloved wife. Officiating the service will be Pastor Damon Magee and Bishop Mike Hudspeth. Honoring him as pallbearers will be Keith Gardner, Connor Chase Thompson-Gardner, Nolan Martin, Cameron Martin, Brady Gardner, Skyler Gardner, Devin Gardner, Anthony McCool and Kimbrough Struggs.
Jerry was born in McLeod, Texas to the late Lee and Vera Gardner. He graduated from McLeod High School in McLeod, Texas. He loved to travel abroad and enjoyed many trips and cruises internationally with his family and friends.
He worked for Riley Beard and Retired from General Motors after many years of service. For 50 years, Jerry was a faithful member and supporter of Kings Temple UPC church in Shreveport, La. His love for the Lord was evident by the way he lived his life. He always put God and Family first. He was also a faithful listener and supporter of Endtime Ministries and loved his multiple trips to Isreal with them. His favorite pastime was watching Endtime Ministries and his son, Brady Gardner, preach while playing Solitaire on the computer. He missed his sweetheart fiercely the last 9 months and now he is happy to be reunited with her.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Keith Gardner (Angela) of Stonewall, La, Terri Martin (Nolan) of McKinney, TX, Brady Gardner (Belle) of Malvern, AR. Grandchildren: Kelli McCool (Anthony) of Knoxville, TN, Connor Thompson-Gardner (Ashley) of Bossier City, LA, Cameron Martin (Lauren) of McKinney, TX, Courtney Martin (fiancé – Jonas) of McKinney, TX, Abigail Gardner of Malvern, AR, Skyler Gardner of Malvern, AR, Devin Gardner of Malvern, AR. Great grandchildren, Eleanor McCool of Knoxville, TN and Calloway McCool of Knoxville, TN. One brother, Gerald Gardner and two sisters: Laverne Norman and Nadine Ladner.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Darline Gardner, his parents, Lee & Vera Gardner and two sisters, Christine Pyle and Ruth Middleton.
A special thanks to Kimbrough Struggs for being so kind and helpful this last year. Sparky & Margaret Weldon and Terry Johnson for being such a great neighbors.
