Marvin D. Gardner

Marvin D. Gardner, Beloved husband, father and grandfather, made his final journey home on March 21, 2014 in Colorado Springs. He was born in Wilson, NC, July 25, 1921, the second of eight children born to Charles and Nona Gardner.

After finishing high school, Marv enlisted in the Marine Corps on 9 Feb. 1940. During the next 31 years, he rose from private through the enlisted ranks to 1949 when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant following his graduation from Marine Basic School, Quantico, VA. As a platoon leader then a company commander during the Korean War, seeing combat action from the Inchon landing through the Chosin Reservoir, during which time he was awarded two Bronze Stars. During the ensuing years, he and the family were stationed on both coasts, broken by a two year tour in the Republic of Korea. He retired in 1971 after 31 years, 2 months and 22 days of active service. However, as most know, “Once a Marine, always a Marine”, thus when he passed, he had been a Marine for more than 74 years.

Following their retirement in 1971, he and Megs served with a number of Christian missionary groups, serving in Taiwan, Republic of China, where they taught English and a short tour in New Zealand.

He has been a resident of the Colorado Springs region since 1981 and an active member of First Presbyterian Church.

He survived his first wife of 50 years, Megs Gardner, who predeceased him in 1998.

He married Amelia Reddish in November 1999, with both remaining active members of First Presbyterian Church.

He was an active golfer, playing as frequently as possible until last year. He and Amy enjoyed traveling and visiting their children frequently.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Amelia Reddish Gardner; loving children, Douglas E. Gardner of Colorado Springs, Sarah G. Plotke of Napierville, IL, and Ruth “Rusty” Johnson of Grand Junction and 4 grandchildren. Amelia’s children and grandchildren have also been important and loved people in his life for the last 14 years.

A Celebration of Life funeral and memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Bijou and Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs on March 27th, 2014 at 2:00 PM. Private interment will be in Ft. Logan National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Marv and the family request memorial contributions be made to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. https://semperfifund.org/donate/.

Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, CO.