Obituary of Robert "Bob" Russell Gardner

Robert "Bob" Gardner passed away in his sleep on March 4, 2018. He was born in Colorado Springs, October 31, 1927, the son of the late Lee S. and Blanche (Shaw) Gardner. A lifelong resident of Colorado Springs, Bob graduated from Colorado Springs High School in 1945. He served two years as a medical technician in the U.S. Army/Air Force. After an honorable discharge, he joined the Naval Reserves from which he was called back to active duty. He was a master machinist with Denver Equipment Co., later Joy Manufacturing and Svalda, where he worked for forty-three years prior to retirement. During these years, he also owned and operated Gardner Machine Shop until 1995, when he turned the business over to his son, Russell. He was an avid Broncos fan and loved all sports, playing on the high school football team, the swim team, various baseball teams, bowling leagues, and was a former Colorado Golden Gloves Boxing Champion.Other interests included boating, fishing, camping, coin collecting, old car and tractor restoration, and attending flea markets. Among his several inventions were a tube sled and a fish bait mold which he sold in many stores in Colorado. In the 1970s he learned to fly and took many long trips in a plane he owned with a friend. He was a member of the Retired Pilots Association. His many talents included metal working and construction work. He built the Gardner's first home, his machine shop, drew up the plans and did the finish work on the family home in Rustic Hills, and built several garages and other buildings for family members. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling, especially in the RV. Bob and Marie's many trips and cruises took them all over the United States and several foreign countries. He is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, E. Marie (Bevens) Gardner, whom he married in Colorado Springs on February 9, 1950; daughters, Carol Sperlik of Statham, Georgia, and Connie Condie of Colorado Springs; grandchildren, Crystal Dudley, Michael (Whitney) Sperlik, and Nathan Sperlik; great-grandchildren, Christian Dudley and Addison Marie Sperlik; sisters-in-law, Lucille Baughman and Myrna Bevens; brother-in-law, Grant Bevens; his dear friend, Augustin Vasadi; several nieces; and a nephew.Preceding him in death are sons, Russell W. and Reggie B. Gardner; brother, LeeRoy Gardner; and sister, Luella Morris. Celebration of Life, 11:00AM, Friday, March 16, 2018 at First United Methodist Church, 420 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.Inurnment will be in the family plot in Evergreen Cemetery,�1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's memory to the Colorado Springs Chorale, P.O. Box 2304, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901. Events Service Friday, March 16, 2018 11:00AM First United Methodist Church 420 North Nevada Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Phone: 719-884-2500