Richard Manwaring Gardner, age 93, passed away at his home in Delta on November 21, 2015. He was born May 17, 1922 in Provo, Utah; the oldest of four children, to Fenton S. and Ora Manwaring Gardner. He grew up in Delta, Utah helping his father and uncle herd sheep. He graduated from Delta High School, then attended BYU. In 1942, he left BYU to enlist in the US Army Air Corps. He served in WWII as an airplane mechanic. Part of his duty was outfitting aircraft that flew to Japan and ended the War in the Pacific.
He married Lou Estelle Sparks on February 16, 1949 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They made their home in Delta starting a dairy farm and raising sugar beets. He worked long hours, day in and day out until his health slowed him at age 85. He loved spending time with his family, fishing, hunting and camping. He taught his six children to work hard and provide.
He was a member of the LDS Church and served many years as Ward Clerk. Also was a member of the Lion’s Club.
Richard is survived by his wife: Lou Estelle; children: Douglass (Turid); Kathy (Michael) Kallas; Dean (Katie); Kevin (Myrt); David; Ray (Cindy); 20 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and sister: Maryetta Forman. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Lynn and Jay; granddaughter: AnaLee Gardner; great-grandson: Matthew Gardner; daughter-in-law: Turid Gardner.
Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, November 24, at 12:00 Noon at the Delta City Cemetery.