Kenneth C. Gardner

Kenneth C. Gardner, Sr., age 73, of Port Orange, died Tuesday, August 9, 2016.

Mr. Gardner was born in Baxley, GA and after high school, Kenny joined the US Army and served for over 20 years. His service included multiple tours in Vietnam, and he was the recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and numerous other personal and unit awards. He will forever be remembered as the "19 year old Airborne Soldier", that he called himself until the end. After retiring from the military in 1981, Kenneth came to this area, and began working as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service. Mr. Gardner’s affiliations reflected his patriotism, as he was a lifetime member and honor guard at the VFW, Post 3282; a member of the Special Forces Association, Chapter 21; and the American Legion, Post 1590, in Port Orange. 

Survivors include three daughters, Marion Gardner (Donald Clark) of Port Orange, Kenly (James) Zanakos of Port Orange, and Gwendolyn (Joe) Voorhees of Orlando; two sons, Kenneth C. (Cathy) Gardner, Jr. of Falls Church, Virginia and Joseph Vernon Gardner of Port Orange; ten grandchildren, Albert, Nick, Christina, Joshua, Blake, Mari, Brayden, Emi, Brynn, and Jake; one great-grandchild, Faith; and two brothers, Joseph (Joann) Gardner of Flagler Beach and Butch (Janet) Gardner of Port Orange. He is preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Hildegard; and son, John Dale Gardner.

Funeral service with full military honors, will be 6:00 p.m., Saturday, August 13, 2016 at Settle-Wilder Funeral Home, with the Reverend Mark Spivey officiating. Calling hours will be from 5:00 p.m. until service time.

Memorial donations in Mr. Gardner’s name may be made to Halifax Health Hospice, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129.

 Service Information