Robert Dean Gardner

Robert “Bob” Dean Gardner peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones on September 7th, 2022 at the age of 77. Bob was born to Art and Marie Gardner on July 24th, 1945 in the small town of Fillmore, Utah. Bob was the second of three children and proudly lived up to his title of “middle child”. Despite being a big tease, he loved his big “little” sister Artha and baby brother Fred unconditionally.

Bob was always known as a hard-working, jovial, family man. He selflessly served those around him with pure charity. On December 3, 1965, Bob married his sweetheart and eternal companion, Deanna. They were later sealed for time and eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 25, 1966.

In February of 1966, Bob was drafted into the United States Marine Corp. After 406 days of service in Vietnam, he received an honorable discharge as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corp.

After his return from the military, Bob and his beautiful wife, Deanna, had six children: five daughters and one son. Together, they faithfully raised their children in a loving and Christ-centered home. One of Bob’s greatest joys came from watching his children grow and develop into successful adults, continuing his legacy of love to his grandchildren.

Bob’s life was full of hard-work and sacrifice for those he loved. Some examples include: knitting slippers for missionaries in South America, creating hats for stillborn infants, meticulously sewing intricate quilts for disabled veterans, and deciphering close to 800,000 family history records.

Bob is preceded in death by his mother Laura Marie, father Arthur Elmer, brother Fred, nephew Artie, niece Emily, and beloved dog Skydunk. He is survived by his wife, Deanna, his sister, Artha; his children: Lora, Kandy, Cheri, Karen, Wendy and Rob; 26 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

His memorial service will be held Saturday September 10, 2022 at 11:00AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 8710 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ. Please contact the family for broadcast options.

A graveside service will be Friday, September 30, 2022 at the National memorial Cemetery of Arizona located at 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please send donations to the Disabled American Veterans Charity.