He was born on October 29, 1930, to Allen J. and Mabel M. (Close) Gardiner in White Hall, IL, at 352 South Main Street. Bob married Marilyn Piggott on Friday, June 13, 1952. She preceded him in death in December of 1998. He married Donna L. Blisset in 2002, in Gatlinburg, TN.
In 1951, Bob went into the Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, and was a student airman at Oklahoma A & M Tech College in Okmulgee, OK, where he graduated with a 4.95 grade average at the top of his class. Bob traveled on the USS General A. E. Anderson to Okinawa and was stationed at Kadena Air Force Base. He served until March of 1955. He was employed by Capital Supply and Capsco for 26 years and retired from Turris Coal Mine in 1991. Bob was a member of Springfield’s Third Presbyterian Church since 1963, where he served as a deacon and on the communion committee. He was a loving father to his three children. In 1977, Bob served as best man for his son on his wedding day. He is and always will be loved by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sharon Mitts; grandson, Raymond Gardiner; and daughter-in-law, Vickie J. Gardiner.
Bob is survived by his wife, Donna L. Gardiner of Sherman; daughters, Kathryn (Dan) Rafferty of LaVergne, TN, and Kathleen (Dan) Ervin of Sherman; son, Robert Joseph (Kelly) Gardiner of Sherman; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, and cousins, Dawn, Dwayne, Greg Blisset and families.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, with Pastor Caleb Payne officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery with military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Third Presbyterian Church in Springfield.
