SPENCER HARRISON GARDNER

Spencer Harrison Gardner, 82, passed away at his home in Millsap early Thursday morning, April 18.

Family and friends will gather from 5 to 7 pm Wednesday, April 24, in the Great Room at the funeral home with a Celebration of his life to be held at 11 am Thursday, April 25, in the Chapel.  He will receive Military Honors from the U. S. Army at 2 pm Thursday at the Chico Cemetery, Chico, Texas.

Born in Fort Worth on June 19, 1941, Spencer was the son of Lyman and Adah Harrison Gardner.  Following four years in the United States Air Force, he joined the United States Army, retiring in 1979 as a Sergeant First Class after serving 21 years of active duty.  

Spencer completed two tours in Vietnam and was a founding member of the Vietnam Helicopter Crew Members Association where he held many positions including Executive Director and President. He also retired from the Department of Homeland Security where he worked as a Federal Police Officer and Contracting Officer with GSA.  He volunteered at the National Vietnam Memorial Museum in Mineral Wells.

Happily married for 57 years, Spencer loved his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandchildren, Noah and Sharon Mendias, and his great-granddaughter, Jazzilynn Gardner.

In addition to his wife, SuzAnn “Suzi”, Spencer is survived by his son, John Gardner and his wife, Tami; daughters, Kelli Gardner Mendias and her husband, Mike, Dawne Gardner Willard and her husband, Ricky, and Tiffany Gardner Steinruck and her husband, Bob; grandchildren, James and his wife, Michaela, Jessica, Zachary and his wife Emily, Peyton, Chris, Jennifer, Patrick, Starla, and Blake; and great-grandchildren, Raelynn, Avalynn, Serenity, Rosie, Aubrey, Nathan, Brennan, Christian, Sabrina, Amaya, Jenika, Jade, Parker, Ethan, Emelie and Lecie; and tw0 great-great-grandkids.