Charles F. Gardner

Mr. Gardner was born July 29, 1922 in Clearfield, the son of Charles and Hazel (Evans) Gardner.

He retired from Beckwith Machinery in 1984 after 34 years of service as a diesel mechanic.

Mr. Gardner was a member of the West Side United Methodist Church of Clearfield where he served on numerous committees and the United Methodist Men.

He was a United States Navy veteran, having served during World War II in the South Pacific on the USS Stembel.

Mr. Gardner was a member of the Clearfield B.P.O.E. Lodge No. 540, John Lewis Shade Post No. 6 of the American Legion and Michael Sicks Post No. 1785 of the VFW. He helped to organize the Central Counties Sportsmans Association and was a member of the Old Town Sportsman and many other Sportsmans Clubs. He was a life member of the NRA, National Trappers Association, PA Trappers Association and was an officer of the District 4 Trappers Association. He was president of the Stone Run Hunting Camp and was an avid fisherman, hunter and trapper.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane (McCorkle) Gardner, whom he married November 5, 1945, two daughters; Iris J. Hoyt and her husband George of Grampian and Pamela G. Ardery and her husband Don of Chambersburg, five grandchildren; Nicole Kane Stover and her husband Jim, Brett Gardner Ardery and his fiancee Joanie, Andrew Hoyt and his wife Crystal, Thomas Hoyt and his wife April and Robert Hoyt and his wife Jess, five great grandchildren, two brothers; Richard L. Gardner and his wife Wava and Jack H. Gardner and his wife Judy all of Clearfield and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Gardner was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ward Gardner and two sisters; June Buck and U. Louise Gardner.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at the Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc., of Clearfield with Dr. Joleen A. Willis officiating. Military Honors will be accorded at the funeral home by the Clearfield American Legion John Lewis Shade Post No. 6 and Veterans of Foreign Wars F. Michael Sicks Post No.1785 Honor Guard. Interment will be in Crown Crest Memorial Park.

Friends will be received at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. and on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of services.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the West Side United Methodist Church, 317 Nichols Street, Clearfield, PA 16830 or charity of the donors choice.

To send an on line tribute go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com