David L. Gardner

David L. Gardner, of Holbrook, Navajo County, Arizona passed away on March 26, 2015 in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona just two days after his 72nd birthday. He was born on March 24, 1943 in Snowflake, Navajo County, Arizona to his parents the late John Newton and Kathlene (Fenn) Gardner. Dave was an avid business man who loved to be in business. He owned and operated many Chevron service stations throughout Arizona and at one time held the distinction of being the youngest Chevron dealer in the state of Arizona after opening his first station in Scottsdale in the 60's. At his peak he owned and operated 7 stations at one time, among many other businesses ventures. Although Dave dealt in many different trades throughout his life his greatest passion was his farm. He loved the dirt and the peace he felt while gardening and tending to the soil. Dave loved animals of all kinds but his biggest prize on the farm were his cattle, Dave's "pets" as he liked to refer to them, that were more like family than anything else. He had an affinity for his beloved "Big Ed" an Allis-Chalmers tractor that Dave spent many countless hours on. An avid fisherman he would fish anytime, anywhere and at any place. He fished from Oregon to Mexico, freshwater or saltwater. It didn't matter what type of fish as long as he had a line in the water he was content. He practically raised his children on a boat, with a pole in hand. Dave loved to spend time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed cooking and often times he would be heard saying that he lived to eat, not that he ate to live. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend Dave will be deeply missed by all but none more than by his own family. He is survived by his loving wife, Ann Gardner of Holbrook; his children, Libby (Gary) Puls of Temecula, California and John Paul (Elizabeth) Gardner of Safford, Arizona; grandchildren, Anne Marie (William) Fugere, Charles David Lisitzky, Garrett Puls, Jami Lynn Gardner, Shayla Ann Gardner, Nikki (JC) Lunt, Consuello Diaz, Xavier Diaz, Michael (Maria) Diaz; great-grandchildren, Isabella Rainnne Fugere, Alexandria Rose Fugere, Kyson Lunt, Jakoby Lunt, Kash Lunt, Bently John Gardner, Violet Diaz, Isabella Elena Diaz, Michelle Hermenia Diaz; sisters, Brenda (Glen) Johnson of Woodruff, Arizona, Karen (Bud) McLaws of Holbrook, Peggy (Benny) Goodman of Woodruff, Aleda Gardner of Utah; brothers, Max (Virginia) Gardner of Woodruff, Donald (Connie) of Snowflake, Arizona and Arnold Garner of Woodruff as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Marvin Gardner. Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. Thursday, April 2, 2015 at the Woodruff Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a visitation one hour prior to the services. Interment will follow in the Woodruff Cemetery. I lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or catch a fish and release back for Dave to catch.