Robert L. Gardner

Mr. Robert Louis Gardner was born to the union of Bennie Oscar and Elizabeth (Mallory) Gardner of Louisville, KY. Robert accepted Christ at an early age. He loved going to church with his grandmother, going to prayer meetings and studying the Bible. He was a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church until his health declined. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Elizabeth, brothers, Prentice Gardner, Sr., Oscar Gardner, sisters Ernestine Watters, Erma West, Mary Page, Aretha Duncan and loving son Robert Louis Gardner, Jr. Robert attended Central High School where math was his favorite subject. In 1988, Robert graduated from the University of Toledo, with his A.A.S. in Climate Control Technology. He was a certified welder and plumber. He loved to learn and always kept it moving when he worked for Ford Motor Company, J.B. Hunt and Chrysler Machining Plant where he retired in 2008, he was an active member of Local 1435. After retirement, Robert continued working at the Kroger Company. He also served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. Robert enjoyed reading books and The Blade and watching news programs. He loved learning and keeping up with current events. He also loved baseball and football. His Lord was his first life’s goal and then, everything came after. His spirit, love, patience, understanding, humbleness, helping, caring and telling you the truth will be forever in the hearts of all who knew him. His famous saying was a quote from Henry Ford: “Never complain. Never explain”. Strong in thinking the best of everything was the way he lived. Robert Is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Deborah, sons, Derrick Greenwell (Frankfort, KY), Damon Orr (Louisville, KY), Ernest Banks (Toledo, OH), daughters, Kimberly Banks (Indianapolis, IN), Alicia Banks, Robbie Kyles, Debra Banks-Fort (Toledo, OH), Sharon Banks (Jacksonville Florida), grandchildren, Larron, Ashley, Darien, Danielle, Kameo Dubose, Shaundrea Easley, Tania Kyles, Alexandria Dixon, Brandon Banks Jr., Trevor Liddell, Derrick Craft, LaQuaysha Greenwell, Anthony Orr, great grandchildren, Tyron, Travon, Kourtney, Johnathon, Marcale, Maron, Sereniti and sixteen more, including one great-great grand- child, brother Bennie James Gardner (Toledo, OH), sister Esterine Barker (Louisville, KY), brothers-in-law Willie Steele (Vicki), Roderick Steele (Birmingham, AL), Harold Watters (Louisville, KY), sister-in-law Angela (Terry) Rice and a host of nieces, nephews and friends who loved him. Special acknowledgments to: Eric (Lavender) Watters, Prentice (Linda) Gardner, Kristen Buchman, Heather, Debbie, Dennis of Hospice of NWO, Reverend Stanley Clark, Rev. Dr. James and Linnie Willis, St Paul MB Church family, Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Otis Gordon and St. Stephen Church Family, Antoinette Rice, Theresa L. Powell, Geraldine Scrutchins, Janice Fryer, Debra Nisch, Carol Latorre, Nash Catering, Steve (D.J.) Musicians Calvin Hughes, Mike Odoms, daughter-in-law Valerie Brooks Gardner, Rev. Edward Turner, Chris Joseph, Charles Blanchard, Richard Ellis, John Richardson, Mrs. Beverly Beasley and The Elites Decorations.

Robert L. Gardner

October 9, 1943 - September 2, 2025