Born 7/1/1927 in Goose Creek, Texas and deceased 12/29/2018. Graduated from Robert E.Lee High School in Baytown, TX in May, 1945. He lived with his parents, Walter and Mildred Gardner, at 114 Hafer St in Goose Creek, Texas before joining the US Navy on May 30, 1945.
Jack was in the Navy and was a Veteran of two wars – WW II and Korea. During WW II he served on the USS Tulagi in the Pacific Arena until 7/15/1946. Upon discharge he met and married his sweetheart, Lillian Ruth Lee 9/12/47. They recently celebrated their 71st Anniversary at St James House in Baytown Texas. Jack was recalled to the Navy in 1952 serving at the US Naval Station In New Orleans until 1953. He took Lillian and his two Children, Cindy and Larry, with him to NOLA on 5/1/1952 . He served there until he was released and honorably discharged from active duty on 4/16/1953.
Jack is survived by Lillian, his wife of 71 years, Daughter – Cindy and Son-in-law, Robert Reisner of Wilmington, North Carolina; Grandson - Sidney Wade Ripkowski and spouse, Maryann of Simpsonville, South Carolina; Great-Grandson – Jack Devon Ripkowski; Great Granddaughter - Kayla and spouse, Nick Ritter of Simpsonville, South Carolina; Sister-in-law, Jean Lee – Humble, Texas; and Brother-in-law, Odell Wells of Baytown, Texas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jack was pre-deceased by his parents – Walter and Mildred Gardner; sisters – Maxine Milligan and LaVerne Wells; son, Larry Eugene Gardner; Brother-in-law – John Sidney Lee; brother andsister-in-law – Bill and Nina McBride, and nephews – John D. Lee and Ken Wells.
Family will received friends Thursday, January 3, 2019, beginning at 10:30 am. Funeral service will follow immediately after at 11:30 am, at Earthman Baytown Funeral Home, 3919 Garth Road, Baytown, TX 77521.
