Douglas D. Gardner

Douglas D. Gardner, 85, of Pekin passed away at 6:51 AM Tuesday, September 04, 2012 in the emergency room at Pekin Hospital. Doug was born September 23, 1926 in Mott, ND to Raymond Alvin and Temple Ree (Ashby) Gardner. He married Betty Thacker on February 8, 1947 in Pekin, IL. She died on January 22, 2012. They were married 65 years. Also preceding in death are one son, Robert Gardner and two grandsons, Jeffrey and Jacob Gardner. Surviving is: two sons, Tom (Cindy Flaugher) Gardner of Pekin and Gary (Robin Wheeler) Gardner of Pekin; five grandchildren, Corey Gardner, Danielle Bernier, Michelle Madden, Chris Reed and Jessica Carrington; sixteen great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Doug was a WW II veteran of the United States Navy. He was a teamster with N.E. Finch for twenty-five years. Doug was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Teamster's Local 627 and William Schafer Post 44 American Legion. He was a charter member of Three Lake Sportsman Club since 1959 and had served on the board of directors and as President for many years. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and Cubs fan. He had gone on many fishing trips to Canada with his sons and grandsons. Doug and Betty had a winter home at Lake Okeechobee, FL for many years. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Friday, September 07, 2012 at Henderson Funeral Home in Pekin with Rev. Judy Doyle officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin with Military Honors provided by the United States Navy and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association 208 S. LaSalle, Ste 1500, Chicago, IL 60604-1242. Cemetery Glendale Memorial Gardens 18119 Illinois Route 9 Pekin,IL 61554 Service Friday, September 7, 2012 11:00 AM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554