Leon Ernest Gardner, 83, of Washington passed away Saturday, July 15, 2017 at his home.

Mr. Gardner, son of the late Grover Gardner and wife Elsie nee Scott was born May 22, 1934 in Jefferson City.

Mr. Gardner served his country in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Japan. He received an honorable discharge and achieved rank of Staff Sergeant.

On August 4, 1955, he was united in marriage to Joyce Jett in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

He was employed at Chrysler for 25 years until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of the U.A.W. in Fenton and the American Legion in Washington.

After his retirement, he and his wife Joyce enjoyed traveling the country. Often just picking a direction and heading out without a plan at all on where they were going.

Mr. Gardner was preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Elsie Gardner; his wife, Joyce Gardner; four brothers, Robert Gardner, Herbert Gardner, William Gardner and Grover "Buddy" Gardner and two sisters, Gladys Wiedmann and Rose Augustine.

He is survived by one son, Kevin Gardner and wife Betty of Washington; two daughters, Pam Heitmann and husband John of Krakow and Karen Kassebaum and husband Lloyd of Leslie; one brother, Paul Gardner of Washington; two sisters, Peggy Long of West Virginia and Nellie Lehr of California State; six grandchildren, Jason Heitmann and wife Melissa of Krakow, Jacob Heitmann and wife Megan of Krakow, Tyler Gardner and wife Meri of Union, Travis Gardner of Kansas, Ashley Compton and husband Doug of Washington and Shanna Stiegman and husband Jared of Big Spring, MO; eight great-grandchildren, Nathan Heitmann, Joe Heitmann, Ian Heitmann, Isabella Compton, Caleb Compton, Cole Stiegman, Mia Gardner and Colton Gardner; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.