Robert E. Gardner

ROBERT E. GARDNER Robert E. Gardner, age 59, of Olivet, went home to his Lord on Saturday, November 4, 2006, at Oaklawn Hospital. Bob was born July 1, 1947 in Jackson. He was the son of James W. and M. June (Cavinder) Gardner. Bob was a 1966 graduate of Bellevue High School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and served in the Mekong Delta region of Viet Nam during the Viet Nam war. After his honorable discharge, Bob returned to the area and worked at Eaton Corporation in Battle Creek until the plant closed. He has lived in Battle Creek, and the Olivet and Bellevue areas since then. After the Eaton plant closing, he went to work at Masterbilt in Olivet, where he worked until ill health forced his retirement several years ago. Bob enjoyed playing softball in Battle Creek with the Eaton team. He has enjoyed hunting and fishing , and any time spent with his son, Bobbie Rae. Bob liked to play cards also. He is survived by his son, Bobbie Rae Gardner of Olivet; a son Derek Gardner and daughter, Amy Gardner, addresses unknown; his mother, June Gardner of Olivet; his sister,Mary (Joseph) Jordan of Bellevue; and brother James W. Gardner of Albion, New York. He was preceded in death by his father, James W. Gardner. Visitation was held at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held today, Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 2PM at Ft. Custer National Cemetery with Rev. Donald Francis of Bellevue First Baptist Church officiating. Memorials may be made to the family. Assistance with memorials available at Kempf Funeral Home. Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to leave a personal message for the family and sign the on line guest register.