Jeffrey Edward Gardner

Jeffrey Edward “Jeff” Gardner passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, after a difficult battle with cancer. Born on May 26, 1967, in Houston, TX, Jeff exemplified hard work and ambition in pursuing his dreams. He was dearly cherished as a son, brother, uncle, cousin, husband, father, and friend.

Jeff dedicated himself to spending invaluable time with his wife and children. He frequently shared life lessons and encouraged his children to work hard, strive for excellence, consistently highlighting the endless opportunities for learning in the journey through life. His hobbies included fishing, snorkeling, motorcycle riding, computer science, and various other outdoor adventures too long to list. Jeff relished fishing the beaches of the Gulf Coast and the beaches of the Hawaiian islands with Heather, Joseph and Julianna. He had a passion for music, enjoying everything from Gwar, Motorhead, Beastie Boys to Pink Floyd. And by request, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Imagine Dragons (volume to the max)! He appreciated thought-provoking books alongside a wide array of movies from Marvel films, horror flicks, Science Fiction and his favorites Goodfellas and Heat. His infectious laugh could be heard after quoting one after another of his favorite movie lines.

In his youth, Jeff was a boy scout, lifeguard, DJ at KTRU, and an eager biochemistry student. Some of his favorite childhood memories involved skateboarding with friends and siblings in parking garages, conducting chemistry experiments (sometimes leading to mishaps), and keeping several reptiles, some not known to his mother.

Among all his roles, Jeff most valued being a devoted son to Royce, a husband to Heather, and a father to Joseph and Julianna. Jeff's marriage to Heather lasted 16 years as they married on Leap Day of 2008 forming an unbreakable bond through both the various highs and lows of life and joyous memories made with their wonderful children.

He proudly served as an Assistant Scout Master and Merit Badge Counselor for Joseph’s Scout Troop. Joseph especially treasured camping, fishing, and teaching Joseph the chemistry of cooking. A memorable moment for Joseph was his dad mentoring him and other Scouts who needed extra support, showcasing the deep love Jeff had for his son through both actions and words.

Julianna, affectionately known as his little princess "Nan," received unwavering encouragement and support from Jeff at swim meets and dance competitions. He fostered her growing interest in horses and ensured she felt unconditionally loved, their quality time filled with heartfelt conversations and shared experiences.

Jeff earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Texas and a Master's degree from the University of Houston. Early in his career, he worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Houston and as a Research Scientist at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. At Chevron, where he spent 13 years, Jeff held various roles including Pipeline Controller, Operations Analyst, Operations Engineer, and Measurements Coordinator.

Jeffrey is survived by his loving wife, Heather Bea Gardner n`ee McCurdy, and their two children, Joseph and Julianna Gardner of Kingwood; his mother Royce Gardner of Houston; sister Jennifer Gardner Clifton and her husband Tim Clifton of Splendora; brother Jason Gardner and his wife Amy Gardner of Leander; niece Jessica Harper and her husband Travis and their children Braden, Brody, and Riley of Porter; nephew Justin Ward of Kingwood; niece Juliet Gardner of Cedar Park; and numerous other beloved family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Edward Gardner and grandparents Roy and Joycye Faye Johnson of Ft. Stockton and Clyde and Edna Gardner of Dawson, TX.