Paul Gardner

Paul Matthew Gardner, 89, of Jefferson City, passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2016, at Heisinger Bluffs in Jefferson City. He was born on September 9, 1926, in Brashear, Mo. He was united in marriage on May 29, 1949, to Norma Louise Partin, in Kirksville, Mo., who preceded him in death on January 12, 2014. He graduated from Brashear High School at the age of 16 and graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville with a Master's Degree in School Administration. Paul proudly served our country in the United States Army in World War II in the state of California from 1945-1946. Upon graduation from college, he became a teacher and taught in Iowa and Missouri. Paul went on to become superintendent of Clifton Hills school district. He left teaching to begin a career as a feed salesman for the Stamper Feed Company and worked out of Kirksville. After becoming a successful salesman, he was promoted to a manager and worked in Moberly. Stamper Feed became Banquet Foods, and later ConAgra. In 1975, he was transferred to Jefferson City where he managed the turkey production in Missouri. He worked for ConAgra from 1957-1986. Following a brief retirement, he was hired as a manager in 1987 in the Division of Taxation for the Missouri Department of Revenue where he worked until his retirement in 1992. Paul was a member of Jefferson City Evening Lion's Club where he made many lasting friendships. He was honored for his 50 plus years of service and would have continued to serve had his health not failed. He enjoyed watching Missouri Tigers Basketball and St. Louis Cardinal Baseball. He enjoyed reading novels; including biographies, history and Louis L'Amour westerns. Paul had a great sense of humor and liked practical jokes. Paul and Louise enjoyed traveling which they did extensively. He loved his family and treasured the times he spent with them; especially on camping and float trips. He is survived by: two sons, David (Janice) Gardner of Branson, Mo. and Larry (Susan) Gardner of Long Valley, N.J.; one daughter, Guyla (Jane Stafford) Gardner of Jefferson City; two brothers-in-law, Lawrence Rowe and Herschel Rehm; one sister-in-law, Marjorie Partin; five grandchildren, Scott (Dixie) Gardner, Lisa (Dan) Donovan, Andrew Gardner, Chris Gardner, and Anna Gardner; three great-grandchildren, Ryan Gardner, Isabel Donovan and Noah Donovan; five step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: one daughter, Terri Lyn Gardner on December 9, 1961; three brothers, John Gardner, Carl Gardner, Meryl Gardner; two sisters, Anna Rowe and Juanita Rehm; one brother-in-law, Robert Partin; one sister-in-law, Cheryl Brown; and one step-grandchild. Family will receive friends from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at Houser-Millard Funeral Chapel. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., at Houser-Millard Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jim Mueller officiating. Interment will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at 4:00 p.m., in Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the: Jefferson City Evening Lion's Club, C/O Gary Kempker, President, 12923 Eagle Ridge Road, Holts Summit, Missouri 65043. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com