Kent Edwin Gardner

Kent Edwin Gardner, 62, Walker, Mo., passed away peacefully and went to be with his heavenly father on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Freeman West Hospital, in Joplin. Kent was born Aug. 22, 1953, in Tucson, Ariz., to Edwin Reagan and Marie Louise (McKeeby) Gardner. He was united in marriage to "The Love of His Life," Julie Clinton on July 26, 2011, in Lamar, Mo., and she survives of the home.

Kent was raised in Tucson, the eldest of four children. He attended Marana High School graduating with the Class of 1972. Kent was a member of FFA and throughout his school years he was a proud member of the Marana High School football team. He also attended Pima County Community College of Tucson.

After his college years he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea for three years. Upon returning home from the service Kent followed a career as a heavy equipment operator in the construction industry. While doing so he worked throughout his life in the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada.

Kent enjoyed working with the cattle out on the family farm at Walker, especially "Maus" the Bull. He had an avid love of horses and cattle which he learned as a child on his Grandparents ranch in Sonoita, Ariz. He also leaves behind his favorite cat, Thomas.

In addition to his wife, Julie, he is survived by one son, Ross Gardner (Katherine); one granddaughter, Autumn Gardner, Oakland, Calif.; one brother, Jerry Gardner (Penny), Tucson; two sisters, Elaine Omar (Omar), Tucson, and Lorrie Morrah, Tucson; several nieces and nephews, Ace Gardner, Tucson, Dara Distel (Ryan), Tucson, Jared Omar, Tucson, Tracy Washburn (James), Walker, and Jodee Fanning (Jeff), Nevada; his mother-in-law, Laura Clinton, Walker; one brother-in-law, Bob L. Clinton (Lavina), Walker; and great-nieces, -nephews, and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his father-in-law, Bob Clinton.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m., Saturday, June 4, at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada, with Pastor Roger Beach officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the Vernon County Youth Fair in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.