George William “Bill” Gardner, 86, Chanute, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011.

Bill was born in Chanute on Jan. 17, 1925, the son of William E. and Helen Hansen Gardner. He graduated from Chanute Senior High School and attended Chanute Junior College.

During WWII, he served his country in the United States Navy Amphibious LC T895 Southwest Pacific.

Bill was united in marriage to Merle Hardman on Sept. 29, 1943 in Yates Center. They made their home in Chanute their entire married lives. She preceded him in death on August 26, 2010.

Bill retired from Ash Grove Cement Company after 42 years of employment.

He was a life member of the Cecil J. Meeker Post #1654 V.F.W., the Boerstler-May Post #170 American Legion and the Elks Club. He was also a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Bill was an avid Jayhawk follower and a huge sports fan having played football in high school and college. He enjoyed following all his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids in their sports endeavors.

Bill is survived by a daughter, Vickie Gossett and her husband, Ron, Chanute; two sons, Steve Gardner and his wife, Carolyn, Chanute, and Stan Gardner and his wife, Lisa, Broken Arrow, Okla.: six grandchildren, David Gossett and Blaine Gardner, both of Chanute, Eric Gossett, Mounds, Okla., Nickolas Gardner and Alex Gardner, both of Broken Arrow, Okla., and Ryan Gossett, Austin, Texas; great-grandchildren, Rhiannon and Carys Gossett, Jade, Gabe, and Gavin Gardner, Andrew and Laken Gossett and Graham Gossett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Merle, and a granddaughter, Kelly Gardner.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 17 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery.

Rosary will be recited on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the church. The family will receive friends at the church following the Rosary.

Memorials in his name may be made to St. Patrick Altar Society and may be left with the funeral home.

Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

To leave a special message for the family on line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com.