Wayne Douglas Gardner was born on January 15, 1936 in Flint, Michigan. He was the only child of the late Arthur and Thelma Gardner. Following his graduation from Flint Technological High School , Wayne began furthering his education while serving his country at the US Naval Academy. Following his graduation in 1958, where he was in the top ten percent of his class, he went on to serve in the United States Air Force for 3 years on active duty and 5 ½ years as a reservist.
After leaving the service, Wayne worked for a short time at the Michigan Employment office in Flint. It was there that he met co-worker Sharon Herfurth, who became the love of his life. They married and began their family together. Wayne and Sharon welcomed 4 beloved daughters: Cheri, Lisa, Judy and Julie. They raised their children in Livonia, Michigan.
A hardworking man, he always found time to spend with his family. They took many family vacations throughout the years, including driving across the country to California.
In 1962, Wayne earned a Master’s Degree in Industrial Administration from the University of Michigan and initially provided for his family by working at Ford Motor Company. While working full time and taking an active role in raising his daughters, Wayne decided to pursue a degree in law and in 1971 he obtained his Juris Doctorate from the Detroit College of Law. He joined a law firm and practiced law for 27 years
In 1998, Wayne decided to retire to spend more time with his family. He spent many hours helping his daughters around their homes and babysitting his cherished grandchildren: Marie, Michael, Matthew, Sarah, Douglas, Bridget, Alyssa, Mitchell and Jessica. He was always there to provide support. Being active in his grandchildren’s life was important to him.
Wayne and Sharon traveled extensively, including trips to Europe. He also enjoyed collecting model cars, boating, reading and listening to country music.A strong man of faith, he prayed for his family and others daily and was active in the church. He served every month at Open Doors Food Pantry in Canton. and in the church prayer ministry.
Although many saw him as a private, quiet man, Wayne could be the life of the party with his dry sense of humor.
On September 5, 2015, Wayne passed away, surrounded by his loving family. Wayne will be deeply missed by all his family, friends and those fortunate enough to have known him.
Wayne was the loving husband of Sharon for 56 years. He was the cherished father of Cheri (Pete) Dwyer, Lisa (Dan) Whitehead, Judy (Bart) Dolley and Julie (Chip) Stark. He was the proud grandfather of Marie (Jeff) Huntley, Michael Dwyer, Matthew Whitehead, Sarah Whitehead, Douglas Dolley, Bridget Dolley, Alyssa Stark, Mitchell Stark and Jessica Stark, and the great-grandfather of Jeffrey Huntley III.
Wayne’s family will receive friends for a visitation on Tuesday September 8, 2015 from 3-8 pm at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd (east of Newburgh and I-275) in Livonia.
His life will be celebrated with a funeral service on Wednesday September 9, 2015 at 10:30 am, in state at 10:00 am, at St. Michael Lutheran Church, 7000 N. Sheldon Rd. (south of Warren Ave) in Canton.
For those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Wayne’s memory, the family suggests donations to:
St. Michael Lutheran Church
7000 N. Sheldon Rd.
Canton, MI 48187
or
Samaritan’s Purse
PO Box 3000
Boone, NC 28607
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