Bill W. Gardner

Bill Warren Gardner, age 87, of Lamar, died Friday March 11, 2011 at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield after a short illness.     Bill was born May 27, 1923 to Harold Warren and Hazel (Skelton) Gardner, north of Milford.  He was a High School graduate and served his country in the United States Army during World War II, where he saw action in Germany. Bill owned and operated B.W. Construction for over 45 years and was also a cattle farmer.       On March 23, 1981, he married Darlene Joan Runion in the Chapel at College of the Ozarks at Point Outlook, MO, and she survives of the home.  Bill attended the Oakton United Methodist Church and was a member of the Lamar VFW Post #3691.       In addition to his wife of nearly 30 years, Bill is survived by, one step-son, Howard & Myra Dockery, of Richardson, TX; three step-daughters, Darla & Dean Grant, of Lamar, Brenda & Harold Sprenkle, of Jasper, MO, and Opal Dockery, of Milford, MO; nine grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a son, Dennis Gardner on September 28, 2006; and two brothers, George & Bob Gardner.         Funeral Services for Bill will be 1:00 pm Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at Daniel Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends 6:00 to 7:00 Tuesday at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Howell Cemetery where Military Honors will be conducted by the Missouri Funeral Honors Team along with the Lamar VFW Post #3691.     Contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society in care of Daniel Funeral Home.