Paul Kenneth Gardner

Paul Kenneth Gardner (Skip) was born on May 17, 1961 to the late Paul Gardner Jr. and Annette Doris Gardner. He was the second child of three siblings, the late Cheryl Gardner and his surviving younger sister Elizabeth Gardner. Paul was raised by two amazing and hard working parents who were very traditional and active in their local church. He became a believer in Jesus Christ as a teenager and was always ready to share that with anyone who asked. Because of his father’s military career, the family travelled and lived in the U.S. as well as abroad until settling in Austin, Texas. As a child, Paul was a very rambunctious, silly and smart as a whip. He excelled in sports and was always involved in either a school or church league. Because of his travels, he attended three high schools. Sahuaro High School, Tucson, AZ, Woodbridge High School, Suffolk, England where he was on the wrestling and football team and finally Pflugerville High School, where he also played football and graduated. He went on to attend McMurry College in Abilene, Texas and Texas State Technical Institute in Austin, Texas. As part owner in his family's catering business he learned to be a skilled chef and baker and found his niche. It was here that he learned to perfect many of his mother’s recipes as well as his BBQ skills. There was always some kind of event going on either with his business or church and he often cooked until the wee hours of the morning to meet deadlines. He found working in a family business challenging but it always paid off when he received the rave reviews from his cooking. After the family decided to close the catering business, Paul went on to work for Muzak LLC, Dish Network, Target and Costco Wholesale in Houston, Texas. After an on the job injury, he retired and returned to Austin where he spent his final years. He enjoyed watching all sports, entertaining friends and family, walking his dog, Paisley, gardening, having coffee with friends and having family over for “Skip’s Big Breakfast” on Saturday mornings. Paul (Skip) Gardner truly meant many things to many people and every life that he touched has a story of their own about what he meant to them.

Paul loved his sister Elizabeth, his two daughters, Alexis and Tatum and his grandson, Abraham with all he had in his heart. It was important to him for his daughters to be successful and happy in anything and everything they did. It didn’t matter what job they had, only that they did their best. His mother wanted the same for him too and would often recite this scripture to him and her grandchildren:

“23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24

Paul Kenneth Gardner left this world on May 23, 2021. No one on earth was ready for him to leave but God knew it was the right time. His last days were filled with peace, hope and a new beginning after some recent surgeries. More importantly he left knowing that we loved him unconditionally. He will be missed beyond comprehension.

In closing we leave you with a quote from his all time favorite baseball player, the late Hank Aaron:

“I need to depend on someone who is bigger, stronger and wiser than I am. I don’t do it on my own. God is my strength. He gave me a good body and some talent and the freedom to develop it. He helps me when things go wrong. He forgives me when I fall on my face. He lights the way.”

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take the time to reach out to a loved one that you have not seen in a long time or whom you may be estranged from. Even if you do not settle your differences, letting them know you love them is important for both parties. We are not promised tomorrow and none of know when we will breathe our last breath. Let those you love, know that they are loved.

Services will be held Friday, June 4, 2021 10:00 a.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home (6100 North Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas 78752).

The family thanks everyone for their kind words, memories of Paul and prayers at this difficult time. Paul leaves behind his two daughters; Alexis and Tatum Gardner; grandson Abraham Vences; Sister Elizabeth Gardner; Uncle Dan and Jeannette Gardner of Florida; Cousin Tracey and her daughter Christina Jackson of Alabama; lifelong friends from Woodbridge High (Warriors Family) and many friends across the country.

Watch the Tribute Video by clicking the link below.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pMl6UaPGavNhUhNdNCAaW3mU5V9qESgy/view?usp=sharing