Charles Gardner

(From Parker Mortuary)

Charles Richard ‘Dickie’ Gardner, Sr., age, 91 of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday evening, April 30, 2024. Charles was born on October 21, 1932 in Baxter Springs, Kansas to the late Jack R. Gardner and Beatrice A. Mahurin.

Charles grew up near the Baxter Springs and Joplin area most of his life. After graduating high school, he went on to receive his Bachelors degree in Music from North Eastern Oklahoma State University in Miami, Oklahoma. 

Charles served his nation with the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Germany as an Air Traffic Controller. He was an avid singer, with nearly perfect pitch for many years. Charles worked as a supervisor in manufacturing. 

While raising his boys, he could be found on many sport fields or helping as a Scout Master. Later in life he was a Golden Glove Boxing Champ and was an avid sports fan, supporting University of Oklahoma and his KC Chief’s. In his downtime, you could find Charles on the golf course just enjoying the beautiful weather.

In 1981, Charles married Virginia D. Lynch and she survives of the home in Joplin. Additional survivors include his sons, Charles R. Gardner, II and wife, Janie of Webb City, and Stephen Dale Gardner and wife, Roi Ann of Neosho; sister, Wanda Southard and husband, Chris of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Other than his parents, Charles is preceded in death by a sister, Betty Gardner.

Graveside services are planned for Monday, May 6th at 11:00 a.m. at the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.