OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Joseph Ronald Gardner, 91, passed away Monday, April 25, 2022, at Osage Nursing Center, Osage City, Kan. He was born July 7, 1930, in Strawn, Kan., the son of Joe and Myrtle (Farmer) Gardner.

Joe grew up in the Strawn area. He graduated from Olivet High School, Olivet, Kan., in 1948.

Joe served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1954, serving on the USS Curtiss during the hydrogen bomb tests at Eniwetok Atoll. After the service, he settled in Osage City in 1955 and started work at Benner-Williams Furniture and Appliance, and was there for 28 years. He then became a securities and insurance agent until his retirement at age 84. He was a longtime member of the Osage City United Methodist Church, the American Legion, and the Masonic Lodge. He was active with Gideons International for many years.

On Jan. 11, 1953, Joe was married to Eunice Redenbaugh, in Lyndon, Kan. To this union five children were born, Bruce, Kent, Rick, Jeff and Lori.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Eunice, on Dec. 20, 1996; his daughter, Lori Ann Fisher; a grandson, Michael David Gardner; his parents, Joe and Myrtle; and his sister, Doris Gardner.

Joe is survived by his four sons, Bruce Gardner (Donna), of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; Kent (Carol) Gardner, Topeka, Kan.; Rick (Dena) Gardner and Jeff Gardner, both of Osage City; his longtime companion, Patty Nelson; and 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at Osage City United Methodist Church,219 S. Sixth St., Osage City. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until service time at the church. Burial with military honors will be at Alpine Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Gideons International, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.