Jerry Lee Gardner

Jerry Lee Gardner, son of the late Arthur and Ruby Fern (Helton) Gardner, was born July 5, 1938 in Iberia, Missouri where he grew up and attended school. He graduated from Iberia High School with the Class of 1956. Jerry met Rose Mary Brenneman at the Pulaski County Hospital and they were united in marriage on May 22, 1982 at the Iberia Nazarene Church. They shared over 19 years together before Rose preceded him in death on January 11, 2000. Jerry worked with the United States Postal Service as a carrier for 35 years. To this day, he could still tell you people’s addresses from when he was their postman. Jerry was full of life. In his younger days he was extremely active coaching Khoury League baseball, softball, umpired many games and was a Boy Scout leader. Jerry was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He loved going to the ballpark every chance he could. He was always watching or listening to the Cardinal ballgames. If anyone really knew Jerry, they knew that he loved to tell stories and also to play jokes on people. His famous prank he loved to pull on people was the “nail trick”. He could get you every time with that prank. Jerry made a profession of faith many years ago and he loved serving God more than anything. He was at church every time the doors were able as long as his health permitted him to do so. He loved his church family at Westside Baptist Church and everyone, especially the young children, called him Gramps. Jerry loved his family deeply and prayed for them continuously. He treasured spending time with them, especially his grandchildren. Jerry went home to be with his Lord Monday, May 8, 2017 in the Cox Medical Center of Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 78 years, 10 months and 3 days. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Jerry leaves to cherish his memory, his three children: Cheri Johnson (James) of Waynesville, MO, Debra Gan (Terry) of Richland, MO and Phillip Gardner (Jenette) of Osage Beach, MO; five grandchildren: Cassondra Prather (Lonnie), Elizabeth Tomlin (Paul), Adam Gan, Aaron Gardner and Dalton Fristoe; four great grandchildren: Espen James, Abbie Renee, Xavier Joseph and Zylpha Janelle; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his son: Steven Michael Gardner; grandson: Travis Gan; and brother: Uncle Jim Gardner. Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2017 in the Westside Baptist Church of Waynesville with Pastor John Shaw and Rev. Elmer Turnbough officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” by Elvis Presley and “Grandpa” by the Judds were played. Bobbie Martin, friend of the family, read a letter from the family. Serving as escorts were Dalton Fristoe, Manny Rios, Aaron Gardner, Andrew Anderson, Adam Gan, Robert Jones, Jimmy Gan, Kevin Falk and Richard Baptiste. Burial followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jerry Gardner and may be left at the funeral home.

Jerry Lee Gardner

July 5, 1938 - May 8, 2017