Charles Wayne Gardner

Born in Turkey, Texas on April 21, 1930 to Minnie and Martin Luther Gardner, Charles was the last of seven children and the only child to be born in Texas. He was always the adored baby brother especially to his 3 oldest sisters.

Due to the Great Depression his family moved back to Oklahoma and lived in the Durant area. By the age of 10 the family had settled and stayed in Lubbock, Texas.

Shortly after graduating from Lubbock High School, He joined the U.S. Navy in 1948. In his time of service he was stationed in French Morocco, Trinidad and stateside.

After his honorable discharge, he and his brother Luther left Lubbock for Hanford because they had family living here. Although Luther would end up returning to Lubbock, Hanford would become "home" to Charles.

Charles worked for Kings County in the newly formed Planning Department and would retire as Planning Director for Kings County in 1995. Following his retirement Charles enjoyed traveling and living in China, excursions to Mexico and spending time with friends and family at home.

He was very proud of his Choctaw heritage. His father was born in 1896 in Indian Territory (Oklahoma) and was an original enrollee through the Dawes Rolls. Charles and his three children all obtained their membership in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Brothers Gene and Luther, and sisters Altha Allard, Frances Moore, and Moina Dean Spears and nephews Simms Spears Jr. And Loren Langston.

Charles is survived by his loving daughters, Rebecca and husband Frank Pimentel of Hanford, Susan and husband David Stone of Hanford and his son Stephen and wife Esther Gardner of Fresno, spouse Betty Gardner of Fresno, brother-in-law Cordell and wife Jean Tribble of Hanford and his sister Edith Elsik of Albuquerque, N.M. He also leaves behind his three grandchildren, Brian and wife Wende Pimentel of Verdi, NV, Amy Pimentel of Hanford and Angela Delgado of Fresno and 5 great-grandchildren with a 6th on the way. Charles is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews across the United States.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Ashok, Dr. Chatrath and Dr. Dennis E. Johnson for the care and compassion during the past two years. We also thank the wonderful nursing staff who cared for him his last 5 days on the third floor at Hanford Adventist Hospital.

Celebration of life will take place on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hanford Veteran's Hall, 401 N. Irwin Street, Hanford, CA 93230.

In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Valley Children's Hospital, St. Jude's or a favorite charity.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Charles' family finds comfort in this verse knowing that one day we will all be united by our loving Lord.