Robert L. "Bob" Gardner

Robert L. “Bob” Gardner, age 80, of Ft. Wayne, passed away Friday, January 8, 2021 at Countryside Meadows in Avon, Indiana.

Bob was born on January 3, 1941 in Matthews, Indiana the son of the late Charles and Helen (Riley) Gardner.  He married Mary Ann Meredith on August 3, 1963, and she survives.

Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and proudly served as Captain flying B52’s during the Vietnam War and the Cold War.  In 2018, Bob was given the prestigious opportunity to participate in the Honor Flight.

He earned his master’s degree and worked for Lincoln Life and the Ft. Wayne Airport until his retirement.   While living in Fort Wayne, he attended Aldersgate United Methodist Church.  Bob loved kids and volunteered for Junior Achievement and at several elementary schools.  The students he read to always loved “Mr. Bob.”  One of Bob’s passions was running, and he ran in several marathons.  Bob also enjoyed playing golf, doing puzzles, and spending time with his family.  He spent many hours writing memoirs about his life and his family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Gardner of Ft. Wayne; two daughters, Denise (Dennis) Paramore of Indianapolis and Angela (Ryan) King of Rome City, Indiana; two sisters, Diane (Hugh) Salmons of Kansas City, Missouri, and Cathy (Dan) Manson of Ft. Wayne; and two grandchildren, Julia and Nick Paramore.

As per Bob’s wishes, he will be cremated and memorial services will be held at a later date with burial in Matthews Cemetery, Matthews, Indiana.

Arrangements are entrusted to Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL  60601; or to the Jorgensen Branch of the Y.M.C.A. 10313 Aboite Center Rd., Fort Wayne, IN. 46804

Online condolences may be shared at www.ravenchoate.com