SEYMOUR

Richard Lee Gardner, 69, of Seymour passed away at 6:20 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, at Schneck Medical Center.

Born Jan. 22, 1947, in Indianapolis, he was the son of the Rev. Leon Eugene and Mable Millay Gardner, both of whom preceded him in death. On Oct. 2, 1966, he married Louise “Fay” Umphress, who survives.

After graduating high school, Richard served in the United States Air Force. He was awarded the Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement while serving as a staff sergeant on April 27, 1969, while assigned to the 405th Fighter Wing, Deployed Element 3, DaNang Air Base, Republic of South Vietnam.

Richard retired from Arvin Meritor after many years of service. He was a member of Jackson Lodge 146, Free & Accepted Masons, in Seymour and the National Hot Rod Association, where he enjoyed serving as the inspector at many car shows.

Others survivors beside his wife of 50 years include his two sons, Jeffrey Allen (Gina) Gardner and Michael Lee Gardner; grandchildren, Jonathan Allen, Jordan Edward and Shea Elizabeth Gardner; brother, Thomas (Lou) Gardner; and sister, Sharon (Don) Buckles.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Cinthia Lee Gardner, and brother, Leon Eugene Gardner Jr.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Voss Chapel with the Rev. Scott Brown officiating. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery with full military graveside rites conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925, American Legion Post 89, Disabled Veterans 47, Korean and Vietnam Veterans, all of Seymour.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. until time of service Monday at the funeral home.

A Masonic service will be at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association.