Earl H. "Herb" Gardner, 79, of Jasonville, passed away at 4:53 a.m. Sunday, June 4, 2006 at his residence.

Born Feb. 2, 1927 in Jasonville, he was the son of Aaron Gardner and Sally (White) Gardner.

He lived in Gary for 40 years, retiring from Patton's as a Diesel Mechanic. He was a Navy veteran of six years, an Army veteran of 17 years, and served three tours in Vietnam.

Survivors include: his wife, whom he married Dec. 4, 1988, Ruth (Pinkston) Gardner of Jasonville; a daughter Sally Bell of Centerville, Ohio; a son Stanley Gardner of Bremen; three step-daughters, Brenda Durham of Branson, Mo., Lisa Boston of Branson, Mo., and Dixie and her husband Dave Burkett of Jasonville; nine grandchildren, Earl Gardner, Billy Gardner, Jessica Bell, Jennifer Bell, Jeremy Burkett, Jennifer Rector, Cindy Manuel, Danny Ansorge, and Darren Ansorge; two sisters, Mabel Usrey of Linton, and Juanita Knowles of Linton; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and five brothers.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at McClanahan-Lee Funeral Home in Jasonville with Pastor Brad West officiating. Burial will be at K of P Cemetery in Hymera with military graveside rites.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. today and 9 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.