Joe Gardner

Joe D. Gardner, 85, of Hillsboro passed away Thursday afternoon, August 24, 2017, at his residence. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 1, 2017, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors Chapel in Hillsboro with Rev. Danny Gilliam of First Baptist Church in Hillsboro and Judge Bob McGregor officiating. Graveside services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 2, at Lakeview Cemetery in Winters, TX. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 31, at the funeral home.

Born in Winters on February 4, 1932, he was the son of Francis Delma and Jewell (McKenzie) Gardner. Following his graduation from Winters High School in 1951, Joe joined the United State Air Force in December of that same year. After his basic training in Wichita Falls, he was stationed in Guam for most of his service time. Being honorably discharged on November 2, 1953, he spent approximately the next 8 years in the reserves.

On December 20, 1953, Joe was united in marriage to Gypsy Blalock in Odessa. The couple moved to Houston in 1954 where he attended the University of Houston. Joe began his 37 year career with Conoco in 1956, retiring in 1993. He and Gypsy moved to Hillsboro in 2003 and became very active in the North Texas Airstream Community (NTAC). They began traveling with the airstream club WBCCI until 2013 when Joe’s health declined and he could no longer travel.

While living in Hillsboro, Joe was all about beautifying the community of Hillsboro and making it better. He never wanted any recognition for his service in the community. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Hillsboro and Hillsboro Masonic Lodge Post #196. In 2014, he was presented the Golden Trowel Award by the Hillsboro Masonic Lodge. A very active member of the Downtown Men’s Bible Class, Joe was always there early on Sunday morning preparing coffee and getting things ready before everyone else arrived.

Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers, James, Rex, and Charles Gardner; and a granddaughter, Kelsey Pohler. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Gypsy Gardner of Hillsboro; four daughters, Deborah Sockwell and husband, Lyn, of Midland, Dawn Truesdell and husband, Randy, of Coppell, Danna Pohler and husband, Steven, of The Woodlands, and Dara Dee Poole of Hillsboro; twelve grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Hillsboro Masonic Lodge #196, P. O. Box 264, Hillsboro, TX 76645, First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 271, Hillsboro, TX 76645, or North Central Texas Alzheimer’s Association, 2630 West Fwy. #100, Fort Worth, TX 76102.