Mervin Gardner

MERVIN GARDNER Click here to view Mervin's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Mervin Jessie Gardner, 82, of Idaho Falls, passed away on December 17, 2009, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born November 14, 1927, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Levor Gardner and Mima Lucille Oglesby Gardner. He grew up and attended schools in the area, graduating from Ammon High School. He continued his education at Ricks College and attended Idaho State University where he received his Bachelors Degree. On May 8, 1948, he married Artie Lee Musselman in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They made their home in Idaho Falls. In 1951, Merv was one of the first bus drivers to the AEC Site. After 21 years of service, he became one of the managers of Bus Operations for INEL and worked in that position for another 22 years. He retired in 1994 after driving 1,379,000 miles without accident. Merv was President of Lions Club, worked many years on the Festival of Trees activities with his wife, Artie Lee, and served on the Board of Directors for Development Workshop. He also worked with his wife and son, Bradley Mervin Gardner, to start the Bridge to Braves Fun Run. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was currently serving as a Branch Clerk, Stake Historian and as a temple worker. He had previously served as Stake and Ward Young Men’s President, Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group leader, Bishop’s Counselor, Bishop, Stake Missionary and as a member of the High Council. He and his wife also served a mission to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. Merv enjoyed photography and shared his creative talent with his friends and family. He especially loved his church activities and his calling with the students at BYU-I and his current calling with the Young Single Adults in Idaho Falls. In the last two years of his life he had a wonderful friendship with Elaine Hanny Larsen. From dinners to music and more, they enjoyed very special times together. Survivors are: Daughter: Linda (Bradley) Johnson, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Tami (Mark) Lords, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Toni (Sophie) Gardner, Orange County, CA Brother: Barry Gardner, Sandy, UT Sister: Lynetta Forman, Idaho Falls, ID Sister: Nadean (Leland) Grigg, Nampa, ID Sister: Verna Christensen, Boise, ID 13 Grandchildren and 15 Great Grandchildren with two on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Artie Lee; a son, Bradley; and siblings, Don, Harvey, Jay, Steven, Lorna, and Dick. Merv had a huge love for dogs and he leaves behind 10 family canines that will miss him and his generous treats. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, December 21, 2009, at the Ammon West Stake Center, 2055 Coronado, with Bishop Lee Brundage of the Woodruff 3rd Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, and on Monday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Mel, Clara Garcia & Family You are in our thoughts and prayers today and in the days to follow. Mervin and Artie Lee have been special friends, and our lives have been blessed because of having known them. What a joyous reunion for Mervin as he was reunited with his loved ones! We will miss him and that special 'twinkle' in his eyes. May Our Heavenly Father bless and comfort you and know that we are here to help in any way that we can. Love, The Mel Garcia Family Grant and Mary Peterson gmpson@Hotmail.com So sorry you have lost your father and grandfather. We worked the same shift at the temple for the last few months. I'm quite sure he is much happier to see your mother / grandmother again and though you will miss him, be happy for him. God bless you all. Connie (Knowles) Jorgensen Your dad was one of the neatest guys. My mom Rosa worked in the mutual for years with him and I remember getting to know you kids. We had a lot of fun times that Linda will remember. So sorry it's hard. Dane & Sherry Watkins thewatkinscompany@cs.com Dear Mervin Gardner Family, We want to send our condolences on the recent passing of your father. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was a great person, and his outstanding accomplishments in the community will always be remembered. Sincerely, Dane & Sherry Watkins