Robert Edward Gardner

While surrounded by the loving warmth of his family, Rob Gardner passed away from natural causes on November 5, 2021. He was born on October 20, 1948 in Evanston, Illinois and grew up in the greater Chicago area where he developed a lifelong passion for the long-distance running. Following his graduation from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Rob was called to serve his country in Vietnam where he completed a tour of duty with the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge from the service, Rob earned a teaching credential from the University of Arizona prior to spending two years in Saudi Arabia. Upon his return to the States, Rob continued his professional studies at Northern Arizona University where he earned a Master of Education degree while teaching Native American youth at a nearby Reservation. Rob would eventually retire from teaching following 33-year career as an Elementary and Special Education teacher with Clark County School District in Las Vegas, NV. As dedicated as Rob was to his chosen profession of educating youth and helping the disabled, his life’s overriding mission was being a witness for and bringing people to Jesus Christ. A biblical scholar, Rob was a born-again Christian who spread the good news of Christ’s Salvation during the regular Bible studies he'd host at home, to members of his church and as a hospital Chaplain. Rob was a fanatical college basketball fan and March Madness was his favorite time of the year especially when his beloved Fighting Illini were competing. Rob is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Nancy Gardner (Mesquite, NV), his Children, Christina Detrick (Las Vegas, NV) and Antonio Reyes (Rancho Cucamonga, CA), grandchildren, Gabriella and Olivia Detrick (Las Vegas, NV), Keila Toledo-Scott, Quashaunna Toledo-Scott and Alexander Antonio Reyes (Rancho Cucamonga, CA), sister Mary Gardner (Oak Park, IL) and nephew Michael Gardner (Oak Park, IL).

Dear Family and Friends,

I now reside in Glory, thanks to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I was a sinner many times during my days on Earth, and I do not deserve to be in Heaven. As Paul states in his letter to the Romans: “all have sinned and fall short of the glory to God.” (Romans 3:23) He goes on to say “the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)

So, according to the Bible, Rob deserves to die and be separated from the God for eternity. God is pure and holy, and cannot tolerate sin in his Presence. But, according to the second half of Romans 6:23, “The free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” There are many more verses in Scripture that refer to salvation, but I’d like to add just one now: “He who has the Son has the Life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. “ (2nd John 5:12) (All Bible verses quoted are from the English Standard Version.)

I have been blessed with a very good life, and I am positive that my new life in Glory will be magnificent. I want to thank my loving wife, Nancy, for being there for me at all times and usually laughing at my bad jokes. It is my prayer that those of you gathered today for this celebration of life turn to Jesus Christ (if you have not already done so) and accept Him as Lord and Savior and Creator of the universe.

Rob