Charles W. Gardner

Charles W. Gardner, 88 formerly of 2600 Brooklawn Ave. died at 12:15 am Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at Timber Creek Rehab in Pekin. He was born on March 16, 1920 in Farmer City, IL to Blaine M. Sr. and Adeline L. (Hoyt)Gardner.He married Ethel M . Gordon on December 12, 1944 in Tampa, FL.She preceded him in death on June 9, 2007. Also preceding him in death is one daughter, Jean Bolen; seven brothers, Blaine (Monroe) Jr., Joseph, James, Robert (Croak), Kenneth Dale, Roger and Willis (Willy) Gardner; and two sisters, Betty Gardner and Vera Quarello. Surviving are; one son, Stephen (Patricia) Gardner of Pekin; six grandchildren, Terri Pogoli of Pekin, Andrew Gardner of Springfield, IL, Douglas Bolen and Darin Bolen both of Pekin; Chris Bolen of Armington, IL and Chayne Bolen of Delavan, IL; and two step grandsons, Jason Broughton of Pekin and Jon Broughton of Pahrump, NV. Charlie was a WWII Army Air Corp Veteran serving as a Navigator and Bombardier attaining the rank of First Lieutenant.He served in the Air offensive campaigns of Europe, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Normandy, Northern France and Air combat-Balkins.He received the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received on May 15, 1944. He was Letter Carrier for the United States Post Office for 31 years retiring in 1981.He then was a Deliveryman for Eastabrook Laundry for 10 years retiring in 1991. Charlie was a 50 year member of the Wet Bowling League in Pekin.He was a Lifetime member of the Pekin Bowling Hall of Fame.He was an avid Horseshoe player belonging to several leagues.He was also a Die Hard Cubs fan.