Lyle W. Gardner, 87
Lyle W. Gardner, 87, of Rochester, died on Nov. 7, 2008 at Maple Manor Care Center in Rochester.
Lyle Warren Gardner was born July 14, 1921, in Dover and graduated from Dover High School. He married Evelyn Towey in 1944. During World War II, he attained the rank of sergeant major with the U.S. Marine Corps. He served four years with the First Marine Division on Guadalcanal, New Zealand and other Pacific theater posts. He was a Rochester firefighter for 33 years and attained the rank of captain in 1959. He enjoyed serving both his country and his community.
In December 2005, he received the Mayor’s Medal of Honor for 58 years of service on the American Legion William T. McCoy Post No. 92 Honor Guard. He was a member of Post No. 92 for more than 65 years. Mr. Gardner was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Eagles organization.
He is survived by five children, Kathleen Wilson, Rochester, John (Lynda) Gardner, Sneads Ferry, N.C., Shawn (Liana) Gardner, Rochester, Dennis (Terri) Gardner, Rochester and Kevin (Teresa) Gardner, Gilbert, Ariz.; four siblings, Forrest (Lola) Gardner, Rochester, Helen Finley, Rochester, Phyllis Hanson, Austin, Audrey Arens, Wichita Falls, Texas; special friend, Rita, Rochester; 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife and three brothers.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, with the Reverend Anna Mac Abernathy officiating. Burial will be at Saratoga Cemetery in rural St. Charles. Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Macken Funeral Home and one hour before the service Wednesday at the funeral home.