Paul Gardner

Paul Gardner was born to Betty Jean Salisbury and Wendell W Gardner on August 10, 1954 in Blackfoot, Idaho and died January 7, 2015 from complications of pancreatic cancer.

Paul graduated from Blackfoot High School and was a member of FFA and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He was proud that he had earned every merit badge that scouting offered at the time. He was a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In 1972, Paul joined the US Navy and served proudly until 1991 and was stationed most of the time in San Diego California. He was trained as a gunner's mate and a welder. He served on various ships as he proudly served his country. Paul's service spanned from the Vietnam War to Desert Storm. He lived in Blackfoot Idaho, Oklahoma City, Amarillo Texas, San Diego California, Salt Lake City, Utah and Tyhee, Idaho.

During the last few years of his life, Paul became very active in his faith and went to the temple for himself. He loved going to the temple and attending church activities and service projects. He loved helping the young men in his ward, was a dedicated home teacher and took his church calling as a grounds keeper seriously. He weekly volunteered at the Bishops Storehouse and seemed to always have a personal service project going. He helped homeless veterans, missionaries and other groups. One of the highlights of recent years, was when he was asked to ride on the Stake Float in the 4th of July parade. Paul's hobbies were gardening, collecting stamps and coins. He loved painting, cars and his pet chickens. His chief concern was his children and grandchildren and hoped that his family would be together for eternity.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Berry Gardner. He is survived by 4 brothers, 2 sisters and 2 daughters, Jennifer Junell Robinson and Heidi Denise Edwards, both of Pennsylvania and three grandchildren whom he was very proud of.

Funeral services will be held at 11am, Monday, January 12, 2015, at the Tyhee 7th Ward LDS Chapel, 12146 Tyhee Road, with Bishop Wade W. Egan conducting. A viewing will held Sunday, January 11 2015 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Rd. 4-6pm and one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be at the Grove City Cemetery with military honors.

Condolences may be sent to his family online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Tyhee 7th Ward to take care of final expenses.