This is our memory of Uncle Tommy always laughing, teasing and in a great mood .April 1 st  suits him. Wish we could have spent more time with him , but life gets in the way sometimes. I hope you get what is attached,found this in his sister Ruth 's autograft book from high school . No matter what that is a brothers love for sure.  We love him and will miss him! We are sorry for your loss of husband ,father,grandfather and great grandfather! Sebastian andRuth Cosentino Family

Mr and Mrs G (with Paula and Dana)  dancing at Fred and Linda Horning's surprise anniversary party - 1985.

Mr and Mrs G were the decoys to get our parents to their own surprise anniversary party.  Our parents thought that they were getting the Gardners to THEIR surprise party.

Mr G always called me "Little One."  I don't know why.  He called Candy and Randy by their first names, but I had a special nickname.  I was able to spend a lot of time with Mr and Mrs G, as my parents were very good friends, and our Dad always called Mr G "Brother."  I remember telling Mr G one time that he was nothing but a big marshmallow.  He asked me what I met by that.  I told him, "You want everyone to think you're so tough, so on the outside you act like that, but on this inside, you're just a big softy."  He laughed, and for years my mom would remind him that he was just  marshmallow.  He will be greatly missed my many people, but especially by this "Little One."

First, Mr. G was one of the few who got to call me by a nickname of "Ran". Outside of my Dad, he was one of the few to call me that and did to the last day I saw him.
My best memory relates to Mr. G's second love (behind Donna) auto mechanics.
I was in college and had bought a Camaro when the clutch went out of it. I couldn't afford to pay someone to fix it so I bought a new clutch, put the car on ramps & commenced trying to replace the clutch. There was no internet at that time so I frankly had no idea what I was doing. I got the transmission out (manually, didn't even know there was jack for that), pulled the clutch, put the new one in, and then spent 5 hours under the car trying to lift the transmission back in. I went to visit Mr. G at 9PM and ask what I was doing wrong. Tony answered the door and told him there was a black man at the door asking for him - as I was covered in so much grease, you couldn't tell my race.
He gave me advice & I went home. As is often the case, Mr. G had more patience with me than my Dad on this expedition & the next morning bright & early, he was under the car helping me understand that you need a tool to align the throw out bearing before you insert the transmission.
When we were done, Mr. G told me - "You'll learn lots of stuff in your college. But things like this, you can't learn in that classroom. You may never do this again but I'll guarantee you'll never forget this experience & the things you did wrong. Never be afraid to do these things & never forget what you learn from them."
He was absolutely right and I have never forgotten that hour I spent with him under that car. When I face a tough decision on whether I should try something new or not, I try not to forget the wonderful advice that Mr. G shared with me.
He had an impact on my life and I'll be forever grateful.

Mr & Mrs G we’re our “other family”.  Helping plan our parent’s surprise anniversary party, working at weddings, laughing, crying, supporting.  We are glad our dad has his “brother “ with him in heaven but send prayers to all of you who will miss him on earth.  

My Uncle Tom and Aunt Donna were such an important part of my childhood.
Spent many nights with them, and my cousins,  Leigh, Paula, and Denise!
My Uncle Tom always embraced me as his own, at least that is how he made me feel!
Even after we moved away from Nebraska and I would see him,  he made me laugh, and feel like that little girl again!
He was a amazing man and I know he will be missed by so many!
Love you Uncle Tom!

I remember all the great fun times we'd have up at the VFW, all the parties we'd decorate for, just alot of late nights and alot of fun, you'll be missed ,Tom Gardner, RIP  good friend

They always claimed me as their. Nebraska daughter,  Thomas was a great man, Sorry for your  loss, God be with Donna and the Family. 


Hey Tom, Tell everyone hi for me and we miss them.  I'm going to miss the picnics outside on the patio with you and Donna, and the popcorn you shared, the camper that was so festive. Thanks for all the hugs you gave all of us kids.
Love you,  
Nancy


OBITUARY

Thomas Albert Gardner

28 December, 1931 – 28 March, 2019

Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home & Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park

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