Richard L. “Dick” Gardner Sr., 87, of Clearfield died peacefully in his sleep at home on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015.
Born May 23, 1928, Mr. Gardner, who also went by the nickname “Deadeye,” was the son of Charlie and Hazel (Evans) Gardner. He was the fourth eldest of six siblings.
He was raised in Clearfield’s Paradise neighborhood and moved to Reedsville in his teens. There, he met his wife, the former Wava J. Aughenbaugh, who survives at home.
He wed his wife on July 4, 1951 in Clearfield. They have three children, Richard Jr. and his wife, Christine, Hollie Johnston and her husband, Larry and Craig and his wife, Debi, who survive.
He was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War. He was a member of the Clearfield American Legion for 50 years.
Mr. Gardner was a hard worker and good provider, working for several years as a long-distance truck driver for Clearfield Truck Rentals. He also hauled fuel for Crago and Cook of Clearfield.
He spent 14 years as the tipple manager for Power Operating in Osceola Mills. After retirement, he put his driving skills to use as a school bus driver for Fullington Bus Co. and he also jockeyed trailers for Kurtz Bros.
He was Presbyterian by faith and a lifetime member of the Second Ward Fire Co. He also held numerous positions on the Clearfield Borough Council.
Mr. Gardner was known for his gruff demeanor and sharp, quick-witted sense of humor. A master storyteller, he was able to spin tales that could captivate audiences young and old.
He cared about the Clearfield community and was an avid reader, keeping up with local and national news.
In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his brother, Jack H. Gardner and his wife Judy, of Clearfield.
He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Jodi Addleman and her husband, Ryan of Grampian; Charles R. Gardner and his wife, Jessica, Jamie Way and her husband, Scott and Jessica Steele and her husband, Joe, all of Clearfield; Ashley Kritzer and her husband, Tyler of Tampa, Fla.; Craig A. Gardner Jr. and his wife, SaVannah of Ulster; and Meghann Gurbal of Clearfield.
He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Elsa Buck and Louise Gardner; and two brothers, Charles “Stub” Gardner and Ward Gardner.
Honoring Mr. Gardner’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
The family suggests that any contributions be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc. of Clearfield.
To send online tributes, go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com.