Charles Lee Gardner

Charles Lee Gardner, 94, of Frisco, Texas, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024. He was born on June 10, 1930, in Eustace, Texas, to the late Ben and Jewell (Huddleston) Gardner. Charles grew up on a farm in Mabank, Texas, where his strong work ethic and love for the outdoors began. As a child, his love for animals started, having pets of all kind including a squirrel, raccoon, and even a fox.

He joined the Navy in 1951 and served during the Korean War on the USS Porterfield. Upon his return from the war, Charles and Wanda (Teague) were married on June 22, 1956. They had two children, Kim and Kreg, and made their home in Mesquite, Texas until they moved to Frisco in 2004. Charles worked at Gaston Hospital (now Baylor) in Dallas as a Chief Engineer for 38 years. Following retirement from Baylor, he went to work for Sunnyvale ISD where his two youngest granddaughters were in school. He worked in maintenance there for another 23 years, retiring at 87 years of age. Charles had a strong work ethic and truly enjoyed working. Even outside of his jobs, he kept busy and was always doing something—he did not like to sit still! He was quite the handyman well into his 90s and could fix anything. His collection of tools was vast in size, so large that he was able to provide tool kits to his children and grandchildren from his collection.

Charles lived a wonderful, healthy life - soaking up all life had to offer. He was an humble, honest and ethical man who was also personable, funny, loving and never held a grudge. He loved being outdoors and being active. He enjoyed camping and went on many trips over the years with family and friends. He and Wanda would often go to Bluegrass festivals in their RV, many times with a grandchild in tow. Memories of these adventures, which brought such joy to Charles, will always be treasured by his family. Charles cherished his faith in God and was a member of Mesquite Church of Christ and then McDermott Road Church of Christ when he moved to Frisco in 1994. In true “Charles style”, he had a favorite pew and everyone knew it was reserved for him and Wanda.

Charles was an incredible husband. He and Wanda spent a lifetime together loving, living and enjoying the countless blessings God gave them. They were a couple that did everything together, as they were truly each other’s best friend. From date nights on Fridays to meeting up with their McDonald’s coffee friends for breakfast, they cherished their 68 years together and left a legacy of love and devotion that will live on in the lives of their children and grandchildren.

Family was truly everything to Charles. He was an involved and supportive father, who truly cared for his children and would go great lengths to ensure they were taken care of. He was an awesome Dad but he was at his very best as a grandparent. “Pa Charles” relished any opportunity to spend time with his grandkids and great-grandkids. Charles was loved by his kids’ friends as well, and made everyone feel like they were family with his welcoming and accepting demeanor. He was always willing to help anyone he could and was a friend to everyone. He will always be in our hearts and greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by a sister, Willene Gardner. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Wanda Gardner; daughter and son-in-law, Kim & Jim Lites of Frisco, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Kreg & Kristi Gardner of Sunnyvale; grandchildren, Chase (Megan) Smith, Chandler Smith, Jeni (Zach) Coonrod, Emma Gardner, Madi Gardner, Samuel (Isabella) Lites, and Brooke Lites; great- grandchildren, Sloane Smith, James Lites and Theo Lites; sister, Mary Gardner; and his granddog, Ruby, whom he adored.

To honor Charles’ love for animals, memorial donations may be made to Lone Star Dog Ranch, 10030 County Road 288, Anna, TX 75409.