Earl M. Gardner

Earl M. Gardner, 94, of Port Clinton, died Sunday, June 22, 2008 at his residence. He was born on September 26, 1913, in Marblehead, Ohio, the son of the late Olan & Jewell (Earls) Gardner. On August 9, 1935 he married Audrey Steffens and she preceded him in death on May 21, 2007. He was a graduate of Danbury-Lakeside High School where he was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball and track. After high school, he attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin for a year. He then went to work at Standard Products in Port Clinton until 1951 when he left to open his own business, Gardy's Laundromat in Port Clinton. He and his wife Audrey owned and operated Gardy's until it closed on June 2, 2004. Earl was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Port Clinton; Port Clinton Yacht Club; served 4 terms as Port Clinton city councilman at large; and a volunteer fireman for Port Clinton Fire Department. He was an avid fisherman, bowler, and Cleveland Indians fan. Survivors include his sons, James (Jean) Gardner, Sandusky, OH, and Gary (Mary) Gardner, Port Clinton, OH; daughter, Jane (Denny) Behrman, Oak Harbor, Washington; grandchildren, Barbra (Scott) Farrell, Mike Gensman, Ann Steinke, Christopher (Christina) Gardner, Earl "EJ" Gardner, Tyler Gardner; great- grandchildren: Jacob and Sammy Farrell, Ashley Lawrence, Grant and Grace Gardner; one niece and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister, Bessie Mutach. The family will receive friends in the Guild Hall of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 214 E. 2nd Street, Port Clinton, on Monday, June 30, 2008 from 9:30 A.M. until services at 10:30 A.M. in the church with the Reverend Margaret D'Anieri officiating. Interment will follow in Catawba Island Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Organ Fund, Stein Hospice, or to the Chalet at the Vineyard, Catawba Island. Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home, Port Clinton, is handling arrangements for the family. Funeral Home: Neidecker-LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home - Port Clinton Chapel 1124 Fulton Street Port Clinton, OH