Memorial services for John Edward Gardner, 83, of Livingston, Texas will be held Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas.

John Edward Gardner was born on November 28, 1938, in Livingston, Texas, and passed away on March 10, 2022, at the age of 83 years, in Livingston, Texas. He was predeceased by his parents Dr. Thomas Lloyd (T.L.) Gardner and Rosie Lee Gardner and grandson Hunter Lee Kelley.

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Elizabeth Ann Walker Gardner. He is also survived by his brother, Tom Gardner and wife, Deloris Gardner, his children; Todd Edward Gardner and wife, B.J. Gardner, Jeffrey Hooks Gardner and wife, Lecie Gardner, Linda Gardner Lane, Allison King Lindsay Coates and husband, Dan Coates, Jennifer Ann Lindsay; his grandchildren: Meagan Gardner Nelson, Zachary H. Gardner and wife, Sage Gardner, Catherine Cartwright, Allen Keef, Johnny J.F. Brittain and wife, Jenna Brittain, Laura McVicar Scudder and husband, Curtis Scudder, Blake M. Campbell, John D. Coates, Nicola Zeytunlu and wife, Melisa Trockels, Charles Clarke, Rayce Franco and wife, Tesia Loehwing, numerous great grandchildren and numerous friends that have become a part of his family over the years.

John graduated from Livingston High School in 1957 and started working for Haynes Manufacturing in sales and worked most of his early life in the building material and lumber sales. He later worked in oil field construction and home building construction.

He was a talented builder and could build anything he imagined or thought of and worked on many projects doing different types of building.

John had many friends and always had time for a conversation or spending time with them. He loved catching up and visiting with his friends. He was very grateful for all of his friends that visited

He was an avid hunter and grew up in the Trinity River Bottom hunting doves and ducks, he also loved hog and deer hunting and hunted all over Texas and Colorado. The years he lived in Arizona he and Ann, camped near the Grand Canyon, rode horses, hunted elk, mule deer and antelope. They covered the state, drank good whiskey and smoked good cigars. He loved horses and spent his youth and most of his life riding. He enjoyed hunting and working with his dogs, training for hunting season.

John was a member of the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department and served from June 1963 - August 1967 and later from January 1972 - August 1977 and was a part of the Pumper Team.

In his later years he joined the Stephens Ministry at FUMC, where he would visit with home bound seniors of the church, he would spend prayer time and sometimes even sing them a song. He really enjoyed this time in his life.

His love of music and faith in God, carried him through his bad times. He never gave up or refused to do anything to try to improve his health situation. His ability to count his blessings was remarkable.

John had a great life and made many good friends and memories along his travels he will be greatly missed.

Special thanks to Jim Rosser, Stephen Ministry Leader with FUMC, Althea Hoover, caregiver and friend and Harbor Hospice for taking such wonderful care of John.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to FUMC music department or Harbor Hospice or charity of choice.