Steven was a native of Sulphur, LA and later resided in Victoria, TX where he met and married his soul mate, Emilie "Sissy" Zatopek Gardner. He worked as a laborer at H.B. Zachary Construction for 23 years. Following his retirement, he and his wife opened an Assisted Living Home for the Elderly. In 2009, he returned to Sulphur, LA and worked for LA Tank as a truck driver. During his free time, Steven enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was always known for making people laugh and being a kid at heart! He loved fishing with his nephews and hosting the annual Thanksgiving dinner at his home.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 38 years, Emilie "Sissy" Zatopek Gardner of Sulphur, LA; his siblings, Sheryl Ortego of Sulphur, LA, Karen (David) Franklin of Tallahassee, FL, Myra (Mark) Culter of Sulphur, LA, Kenneth (Barbara) Gardner of Franklin, MA, Brent (Tonya) Gardner of Champagne, IL, James (Mary) Higginbotham of Sulphur, LA, Dwayne (Jennifer) Higginbotham of Vidor, TX; his sister-in-laws, Aileen Alman of St. Paul, MN and Sandra (Aaron) Supak of Ganado, TX; his brother-in-laws, Julius (Patricia) Zatopek of Victoria, TX and Amos Zatopek of Edna, TX; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Eugene Gardner and Marilyn Vincent Higginbotham; his sister, Robbie Hargrove; his infant brother, Gordon Hoyt Gardner.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 4, 2022 in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home led by Jody Barrilleaux. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2022 with a Cursillo Rosary at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Rite of Christian Burial will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, March 7, 2022 at Catholic Cemetery No.1, in Victoria, TX.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com for the Gardner family.
