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Major Donald Gardner April 25, 1939 - January 11, 2025

Son, brother, soldier, husband, father, musician, friend.

Major Donald Gardner, 85, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025. Don was born April 25, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri the son of Allen and Lillian (Sherman) Gardner. At the age of eight Don was blessed with a sister, Judy. The family eventually settled in Hutchinson, Kansas, where Don attended college in Pittsburg, Kansas, where he met Loretta E. Phillips. Don and Loretta were united in marriage on August 26, 1962, in Neodesha, Kansas, this union was blessed with two sons, Britt and Troy (also eight years apart).

Don became an officer in the United States Army and served in Vietnam with additional assignments in Germany and Colorado. He achieved the rank of Major before retiring from active duty in 1982 at Ft. Riley, Kansas. Following his military service, he and Loretta moved to Ozark, Missouri where they operated a successful home-based business, “Her Apple Orchard”. During this time, Don also worked as the lead maintenance technician for St. John’s Fitness Centers in Springfield, Missouri. In retirement, Don’s love of music grew, and he started playing the banjo. He traveled to workshops and conventions to refine his skills and connect with fellow musicians. Don played banjo in two bands, the SCUMS and the Sac River Band, performing throughout the Springfield area. (check out some of their performances on You Tube).

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Loretta, and his grandson, Blake Gardner.

He is survived by his sister, Judy; his sons, Britt Gardner and wife Maribeth and Troy Gardner and wife Jennifer; his grandchildren: Sam, Jacob, Zach and Phoebe; and his three great-grandchildren: Grace, Hazel and Asher. He also leaves behind a special friend, Marsha Lambert, over the past 2 years, they spent many evenings watching movies, listening to music and talking, these times brought him great joy.

Cremation under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com

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