Obituary of Chester Gardner

Chester Milton Gardner "Chet" or "Milton", of Eugene, Oregon died Tuesday April 10, 2012 in RiverBend Hospital ten days after suffering a broken hip in a fall. Born in Crane, Missouri, July 26, 1919 to Chester Benton (C.B.) and Edna Hair Gardner, he left the farm in the heart of the depression at the age of 16 for the Civil Conservation Corps first in Shell Knob, Missouri and then Rogue River Valley near Medford, Oregon. Wise to the reality of war, in August 1941 he enlisted with the U.S. Army Medical Corps and dutifully served our country throughout WWII. He was honorably discharged in October 1945, having served in both Panama and in the European Theater. Returning from war to Missouri, it was in 1946 that he sought the adventure of Los Angeles, California being hired by Southern Pacific Railroad. He met Mary Antoinette Billings "Toni" from Memphis, Tennessee, was married December 3, 1950 and had four children. The beauty of Oregon called to him and he transferred his family from LA to Eugene in 1964 where he lived for the remainder of his life. He retired after 36 years as a conductor on the Railroad to pursue his love of fishing, woodworking in his shop and gardening around his home. He loved bowling with his beautiful wife and traveling to visit his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Sharon Ann; sister, Maxine Gideon; half-brothers Charles, Bert and Frank, and grandson, Lars Nielsen. He is survived by sisters Mary Gardner and Marty Herrell of Aurora, Missouri, and Ruby Bunch of Berryville, Arkansas; son, Charles (Chuck) of Eugene; Elaine Nielsen of Orlando, Florida; Barbara Scanlon of Danville, California; grandchildren Paul and Kirsten Nielsen of Orlando, Florida and Drew, Ryan and Lindsey Scanlon of Danville, California. A private, family graveside service was held at Lane Memorial Gardens April 12, 2012. In memory of his beloved wife, contributions can be made to theAlzheimer's Association.Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy