Howard Hugh Gardner

79, passed away peacefully the evening of October 11th, 2015 in Tampa after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Myra Gardner; their three children: Frank D. (Karen) Gardner, Vicki (Joseph) Fulton, and Howard H. (Leslie) Gardner Jr.; five grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Jeanne (Richard) Sonderup, and Deborah (Leonard) Tillis; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a graduate of Landon High School in Jacksonville and graduated Mesa CC in Arizona with honors. Howard entered the USAF shortly after graduation and was honorably retired after 30 years of Federal employment. Howard became a Master Mason in 1972 in Dalzell, S.C., Worshipful Master of Port Tampa #153, 1990. Member of Egypt Shrine, Scottish Rite. In 1991 was assigned to Eielson AFB, Alaska. Became Commander of Alaska Commandery #1, K.T. Was High Priest, Fairbanks #1, RAM, Worthy Patron, Midnight Sun #6 Order of Eastern Star. He returned to Tampa in 1996 where he continued his love of the Masonic Craft, was elected as Grand Secretary of the Grand York Rite Bodies of Florida and served four years until his illness forced him to step down. A visitation will take place on Saturday, October 17th from 9:30-11am, followed by a Masonic and Military service at 11am at Blount & Curry, 605 S. MacDill Ave, 813-876-2421. Refreshments will be served at the York Rite Bldg, 4210 W. Oklahoma, Tampa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation, Grand York Rite, PO Box 13496, Tampa, FL 33681.Arrangements under the direction of Blount & Curry FH-Macdill Chap, TAMPA, FL.