David H. Gardner

David H. Gardner, 86, of Russellville, died Sunday, March 21, 2010 at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Russellville. The son of William and Sarah Jane Harkey Gardner, he was born on Pearl Harbor day in 1923 in Russellville. He graduated from Russellville High School in 1940 and at the age of 17 had to get his mother's written permission to enter the United States Navy. He served in the South Pacific On the freighter, USS Washburn, an attack cargo ship designed to carry military cargo and landing craft, landing weapons, supplies, and Marines on enemy shores during amphibious operations. He also served on the USS Trousdale. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with bronze campaign star, the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Following the war, he graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.S. in marketing. David married Betty Lou Gideon on October 25, 1947 at Russellville. He worked for 33 years with Cities Service in their sales and marketing department, retiring in 1981.
He and Betty were longtime members of First Christian Church in Russellville and more recently the First United Methodist. He enjoyed gardening and was a member of a golfing group that played regularly at the local country club.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers,Robert Henry Gardner, and William E. "Bill" Gardner Jr.
He is survived by wife, Betty Gideon Gardner, Russellville; his son, David W. Gardner and wife Daphne, Kenner, La; a granddaughter, Judith Yve Gardner, Kenner, La; a sister, Janice Anderson, Grand Fork, Mn; Beth Fortier, Grand Fork, Mn.
Funeral will be at 11:00AM, Friday, March 26, 2010 at Oakland Cemetery. Rev. Tom Frase will officiate. Full military honors will be provided by Rogers Rye Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Visitation will from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Thursday, at Humphrey Funeral Service. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church building fund, 304 South Commerce, Russellville, AR 72801 or Arkansas Hospice, 2405 East Parkway, Suite 3, Russellville, AR 72801. Internet obituary and on-line guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.

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