Robert W. Gardner

Biography:  Robert W. Gardner, 89 of Bucyrus passed away on Wednesday April 24, 2013 at the home of his daughter in Columbus, his death was unexpected.  Bob was born February 10, 1924 in Sulphur Springs to the late Walter and Myrtle (Caris) Gardner.  He was married Aug. 11, 1946 to Elinor Jean (Travis) Gardner who preceded him in death on July 11, 1998.  He was also preceded in death by son Billy.
 
Bob is survived by daughter Laura Lee "Toot" Canegali and son Daniel and his wife Joyce (Williams) Gardner both of Columbus; grandchildren Kacy (Kelley) Tomlinson, Dayton; Julie (Brian) Kollar, Upper Sandusky; Neil (Holly) Gardner, Charleston, SC; one great grandchild Connor Tomlinson; as well as close friend Ruth Paces of Florida.
 
Robert was a lifelong Bucyrus resident and graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1942.  In 1943, prior to entering the service, Bob worked for Jay Winters Clothing Store and continued following WWII until 1958 at which time he opened Gardners Mens Clothing Store on S. Sandusky Ave. which operated for several years.  Upon closing his clothing store, Bob working at J.C. Penny's Clothing Department in Galion for 2 years.  
 
Bob was given the opportunity by Stan Shelley to possibly buy into his business, which he did and eventually owned.  Bob expanded the Shelley business with the help of his wife Jean, and added women's clothing but was later forced to close due to the competition from area malls.  Following the closing of the Shelley Store, Bob and Jean owned and operated the Court Cafe' for a short period of time.
 
Following retirement, Bob worked part-time shuttling people to area airports, delivering flowers for Norton's, transporting cars for Schott Bros., and for 8-10 years helped auctioneer Roger Moore.  In addiiton, Bob sold real estate for Garberick Realty and for over 15 years worked for the election board.
 
Bob was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, American Legion Post 181, and the Bucyrus Moose Lodge #669.  He was a U.S. Army Staff Sergant during WWII with the 8th and 9th Air Corps and U.S. Air Force Reserve serving in Northern Ireland, England, France, and Germany.
 
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm in the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home with Rev. Jack Kocsis officiating.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 pm and from 6:00 pm until the time of service.  Military honors will be provided by the Am. Legion honor guard following services.  
 
The family suggests memorials be made to Gifts for Yanks, the Cr. Co. Humane Society, or the American Cancer Society and expressions of sympathy can be offered at munzpirnstill.com