LARRY JOE GARDNER

Larry Joe Gardner, 76, of San Diego, California, departed his life on earth, on February 22 nd, 2024.
 
He was born February 27 th, 1947, in Centralia, IL to Joe Marshall
Gardner and Norma Jane (Jackson) Clifton and treasured found
memories of spending time with his cousins and grandparents.
 
Larry attended Tilden Tech. High School in Chicago IL before
being drafted to the US Army, where he served in the Vietnam
War, 101 st  Airborne. Upon his return home he completed studies
at Southern Illinois University, where he was a member of the
Kappa Alpha Psi Gamma Upsilon Chapter “KS Krooks”. After
graduation he worked for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Once he
relocated to California, he began a career with the City of San
Diego as a grounds maintenance worker prior to advancing into
leadership as a Labor Relations Manager, Chief Deputy Director
of Water Operations, Water Department Director and General
Service Department Director, prior to his retirement in 2006.
 
He was a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
Incorporated, avid outdoors man who hosted camping events,
horseback riding excursions and vacations for family and closest
friends capturing every moment in time with unforgettable
treasures.
 
Larry leaves to cherish the loving memories of his presence, his
wife, Beverly Marie Gardner of the home, daughters, Michelle L.
Gardner Williams (Migel), Kandra J. Gardner, Deseree L.
Gardner, sons, Lennie Morris and Christopher Brown, (9)
grandchildren, (3) great-grandchildren, brother, Charles Hunt,
sister, Marcela “Lynn” Lockett, and a host of family members, co-
workers, friends and neighbors to whom he was a constant
source of love and support.
 

His legacy lives on in the love he shared, the memories he
created and the impact on the lives of everyone fortunate enough
to know him.  
 
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers; William
Clifton and Fernandez Hunt; his sister, Patricia Hunt Cones; son
Roderick Allan Morris; and granddaughter Kari O. Watson.
 
We love you and carry the love you gave us in our hearts, rest in
peace, your spirit will forever live in our hearts and surround us in
the way that you have shown us to love.
 
In lieu of flowers. Donations to establish the [Larry J. Gardner
Scholarship at Southern Illinois University] would be greatly
appreciated.

A good name is more desirable than great riches;

to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1

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