Kevin Michael Gardner

Kevin “Daddio” Michael Gardner, 60, of Harrisburg, MO, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 22, 2022. Masonic Services will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, MO at 2:00 pm with an informal gathering of family and friends to follow until 4:00 pm.

Kevin was born July 8, 1961 in Kansas City, MO to the late Larry Dale Gardner and Nina Jeannine (Hays) Gardner. He was a 1979 graduate of Kirksville High School. After graduation, he attended Northwest Iowa Technical College in Sheldon, IA to pursue his electrician degree.

He began a career in the flooring business working for Milo H Walz and Flooring America and ultimately retiring from the City of Columbia. His interest in social organizations began as a young man when he became an Eagle Scout with Palms and a Member of Scouting’s “Order of the Arrow”. As a scout, he earned several awards. Kevin was a 42 year member of Kirksville Lodge #105 AF&AM, Kirksville York Rite, Moila Temple.

One of Kevin’s biggest accomplishments was being a father. He had always wanted children and considered himself lucky enough to have two precious girls. His children, Amanda and Kaila, called their father their “ROCK”. He was always there for them through their ups and downs, and taught them to enjoy every moment life has to offer.

Lake of the Ozarks was a place you would find Kevin during the weekdays enjoying the quiet lake life listening to a little Eric Church. He had a life-long love for the lake and even his father “taught him how to swim” there. Raising his children on the water and later years his grandchildren filled his heart with pride. If he wasn’t at the lake, he would be found supporting his grandchildren in all their sporting events. The joy on his face when he was around his grandchildren reflected his love for them and they equally loved and adored their Papa.

Many hours well spent on his precious Cadillac and Jeeps. He enjoyed “tinkering” with them and all the other vehicles he decided to bring home, as the girls just shook their heads. Lots of memories in the shop learning, cursing and building the beast of jeeps.

He is survived by his daughters, Amanda (Lee) Darwent of Howard County, MO and Kaila (Jake) Gardner, of Boone County, MO; the mother of his precious daughters, Taressa (Acton) Austin, of Callaway County, MO; one brother, David (Mindy) Gardner; five grandchildren, Austin, Jonathan and Layla Darwent; Zaylee and Jaxton Pollard; one nephew, Mason Gardner and two nieces, Grace and Lydia Gardner.

Kevin was a kind and loving son, brother, father and amazing grandfather and friend to many. He touched many hearts with open arms with whomever he allowed in his little bubble.

Online condolences may be made at www.memorialfuneralhomeand cemetery.com