Harry Eugene Gardner

Harry Eugene Gardner, 85, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2007 in Waco, TX. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Harry was born August 29, 1922 to Minnie and Leonard Gardner in Waco, Texas. He graduated from Waco High School in 1940 where he was an All State center for the Waco Tigers, under Coach Paul Tyson. He went on to play football for SMU under Coach Madde Bell until he was called to the U.S. Navy where he was an Underwater Demolition Frogman. He was a member of UDT 13 and cleared the way for the U.S. military forces to enter Iwo Jima and Tokyo Harbor. He was very proud that they didn’t lose a single man during that time. He received the Silver Star for his actions during battle. After the war he returned home and married Jerry Lou Brown in 1947. He graduated from Baylor University in 1948. He became involved in the feed and seed business in Ennis and Terrell, Texas, before returning to the Waco area where he and his brother owned Brazos Feed and Supply for many years. After retirement, he and his wife owned Harry’s Backyard Garden Center and Harry’s Service Station in McGregor, Texas. He was a long-time active member of the First United Methodist Church of McGregor. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jerry Lou Gardner, and married Helen Latimer of Waco in 1992. Harry will be remembered for his love of family, his wonderful sense of humor, and his dancing ability even on his walker. He was the best Papaw on Earth! Harry is survived by his wife, Helen Gardner, his daughters: Betty Johnson and husband Bob of Ranger, Texas; Genie Allison and husband Buddy of Rogers, Texas; Step-children: Susan Nichols of Carrollton, Texas and Mike Walker of Austin, Texas; Grandchildren: Kristen Beaird and husband Brad of Hutto, Texas; Angie Blackwell and husband Colby of Copperas Cove, Texas; Luke Allison and wife Bobbi of Groesbeck, Texas; Greg Johnson and fiancé, Amy Russell of Abilene, Texas; Ali DeLukie and husband, Bubba of Ft. Worth, Texas; Abbie Harriman and husband, Josh of Rogers, Texas; Annie Allison of Ft. Worth, Texas; Lou Mandy Allison and fiancé Allen Bruggman of College Station, Texas; Great-grandchildren: Bailey and Emmy Beaird and Kenli and Gunner Allison. Well done, good and faithful servant!