Russell Leroy Gardner
August 6, 1949 - January 5, 2024

Russell Leroy Gardner, resident of Newkirk, OK, passed away Friday, January 5, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 74 years, four months, four weeks and two days old.

Russell was the second of three children, born August 6th, 1949, to Robert Harold Gardner and Melba Mae Barth-Gardner (McDaniel), in Leon, IA. He was baptized into the Davis City Church of Christ at the age of 11 on February 21, 1961; and, later in life became a steadfast member of the Vinelife Family Church in Arkansas City, KS. He attended school at Davis City Elementary and Leon High School in Iowa.

As a young, mischievous lad from Davis City, he was a proud member of what is known as "the Davis City River Rats." If you are one, you know, and they stick together. His hard-working ethic started at the very young age of 14, working with his dad and special Uncle, Jim, traveling the country working in wheat fields and shearing sheep. He learned from the best. He furthered his education by becoming a heavy equipment operator with the Local 101 Operating Engineers Union. Again, working with many special family members, his dad, Uncle Jim, Uncle Everett, cousins Ron Barth, Lester Vandel and Paul Gardner. He loved his job and cherished his relationships built throughout his life. He continued his pipeline career with Local 101 for a period of over 40 years, retiring in 2012.

It was during this time in 1967, he met the love of his life, Deborah Inez Horinek. They were united in marriage on June 30, 1972, sharing over 51 years of their best lives. Where you saw one, you saw the other. They had one child, Tony Lee Gardner, who blessed them with five grandchildren: Austin Chase, Raylee Jai, Kambree Rain, Laikyn Nykole, and Haven Lee. Russell was the most genuine, loving man of God you could ever meet. He loved deeply. If he loved you, you knew it without a doubt. He always, always helped beyond measure going the extra mile and expected absolutely nothing in return. He would do anything for those he loved. He was selfless with a heart of gold and would literally give you the shirt off his back. There was not a materialistic bone in his body and his generosity helped many people. When he gave you something, it was given with unconditional love, no strings attached. His beautiful blue eyes told his story. He lit up a room when he walked in with his kindness and love shining through them. His smile immediately brought a smile to your face and made you feel welcome. If he was angry, which was not often, you knew it; if he was up to something mischievous, you knew it; and, if he loved you, you definitely knew it. Having traveled the country for most of his life, his most treasured moments were being at home and spending time with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by: his father, his mother and step-dad, Chester McDaniel; his grandparents, Clate and Velma Barth and Gaylord and Marie Gardner; double-cousin, Ronald Barth, whom he loved like a brother; five brothers-in-law, Dale Herrington, Jeff Horinek, Timmy Horinek, Terry Horinek and Jack Engle; a nephew, Jack Ray Engle; seven uncles, and six aunts. Leaving to celebrate his memory are: his wife, Debbie; son, Tony Gardner (Lindsay) and his five children; two sisters, Wylene (Gardner) Herrington and Marvelle (Gardner-Gibson) Plym (Doug) both of Lee's Summit, MO; a second cousin who was more like a brother, Lester Vandel (Patti) of Leon, IA; two uncles, Everette Gardner of Wyandotte, OK, and Maurice Barth (Jan) of Branson, MO; three aunts, Doris (Gardner) Geeding of Nowata, OK, Lois (Gardner) Manchester of Oklahoma City, and Penny (Crawford) Gardner of Yelm, WA; three brothers-in-law Mike Horinek (Casey) of Marland, OK, Doug Horinek (Brenda) of Cleveland, OK, and Randy Horinek of Krum, TX; five sisters-in-law, Connie (Horinek) Engle of Del City, OK, Pam (Horinek) Shire of Lamont, OK, Angela (Horinek) Mefford of Ponca City, OK, Crista Greer (Ronnie), Tina (Horinek) Eckert (Dusty) both of Newkirk, OK, numerous nieces and nephews, many cousins, and lots and lots of friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials for Russell may be given to The Dearing House Child Advocacy Center, dearinghouse.com, 580-762-5266; or, Alzheimer's Association - Oklahoma Chapter, alz.org/Oklahoma, 800-272-3900.


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