Donald Harold Gardner Jr.

Born during the early height of the roaring 20’s, Don was born on Friday, April 13, 1923 to parents, Donald Harold Gardner, Sr. & Palmer Girard. Don served his nation with pride and honor during the Second World War, where served as a Technician Fifth Grade in Battery C of the 226th Anti – Aircraft Battalion. Enlisting in January of 1943, Don became a Low Speed Radio Operator, Radio Repairman and an expert with an M – 1 Garand Rifle. Don served in the Northern France during the Battle of the Bulge & the Battle of the Rhine. The Battle of the Bulge, also known as the Ardennes Offensive, was the last major German offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II which took place from 16 December, 1944 to 25 January, 1945. It was launched through the densely forested Ardennes region between Belgium and Luxembourg. The Battle of the Rhine was crucial for the advancement of the Allied advance into Germany, and was planned by Monty (the king of set-piece operations) as a three-army assault, including an airborne assault, a five-thousand-gun artillery barrage, and Anglo-American bombers. He was well decorated, earning the American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze Service Stars among others.

Along with his military service, Don served the citizens of Jefferson County with the Louisville Fire Department for over 23 years, retiring as a firefighter in 1973. Don could often be found taking care of others. He was a devoted Christian and member of the Evangel World Prayer Center. Don also had a passion for playing billiards, which he played up until March of this year. Don lived a full – life! A life – well – lived!

Besides his parents, Donald Harold Gardner, Sr. & Palmer Girard; his wife, Beulah Gardner & Siblings, Jeanie, Billy & James Gardner, precede Don in his passing.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Garry (Polly) Gardner & Harold Todd (Maggie) Gardner; sister, Cora Lee; plus, a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his passing and celebrate his life.

Graveside Services will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. at the Pavilion of Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliffe, Kentucky, Don will be laid to rest in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, the family will receive friends from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home – Okolona Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home - Okolona Home, "Where Personal And Sincere Service Is Tradition."