Daniel Elermander Gardner

Daniel Elermander Gardner, 89, of Martinsville, Virginia, died Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at the VA Medical Center in Salem, Virginia. He was born in Carroll County, Virginia to the late Alexander and Rebecca Marshall Gardner.

Mr. Daniel Gardner is the epitome of not only an “Outstanding Military Veteran”, but also a valued member of this community. His distinguished service to his country reflects the same commitment that he gives in service to his church and community.

Mr. Gardner was drafted into the Army on May 6, 1944 and was assigned to Company B, 330th Infantry Regiment. He served in the Central Europe Campaign until November 1945. He was wounded in battle and spent his nineteenth birthday in a Paris hospital. After he recovered, he was sent back to battle and served under General Patton. He re-enlisted on November on November 21, 1945 and was assigned to a light tank division in Germany. He advanced in rank to Technician 4th Grade and was honorably discharged on May 6, 1947.

Mr. Gardner was awarded two Battle Stars, the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Ribbon, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was presented two United Stated flags that were flown over the U.S. Capitol. He is a retired member of a Veterans Honor Guard and is a life member of the VFW and the Disabled American Veterans. He was featured in the October 2006 edition of the Virginia Living Magazine as a hero of World War II.

Mr. Gardner is a retiree of DuPont with 38 ½ years of service. He has served as a poll worker for the Virginia Electoral Board in Henry County. He was also recognized as Outstanding Member of the Elks Lodge and was on the board of the United Commercial Travelers of America.

Mr. Gardner has been a member of Chatham Heights Baptist Church for over fifty years where he served as deacon, an usher, and a member of the Property Committee. He also went on a mission trip to Prague in the Czech Republic for the European Baptist Federation.

Mr. Gardner has been married for sixty-two years to Lorene Edwards Gardner, and the Gardners have two children, Keith Gardner, and Felicia Gardner-Galyean and husband David. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Daniel Gardner is loved and respected by all those who are blessed to know him. His spirit of patriotism and love of country as well as his continuing influence in our community is sincerely admired. He was truly deserving of this recognition as are all of our veterans who sacrificially served this nation so that we may have the freedoms that we so cherish.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

Chatham Heights Baptist Church

1235 Old Chatham Rd.

Martinsville, VA 24112

VFW Post 4637

2327 Old Chatham Rd

Martinsville, VA 24112

Disabled American Veterans

P.O. Box 14301

Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301

Military Honors will be performed by the Martinsville and Henry County Veterans Honor Guard.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at 1 PM at Chatham Heights Baptist Church, Martinsville, Virginia with Dr. Michael Hatfield officiating. Interment will be held at Roselawn Burial Park. The family will receive friends at the church from 5 PM – 8 PM on Monday.