David E. Gardner

David E. Gardner, 46, of Wapakoneta, OH, died 7:54 a.m., Wed. Aug. 5, 2010, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, following a 3 ½ year battle with cancer. He was born May 24, 1964, in Shelby Co., OH, the son of James Edward & Mary Rae (Barlow) Gardner, and they survive in Jacksonville, FL. On Sept. 1, 1990, he married Barbara A. Elliott, and she survives in Wapakoneta. Other survivors include, 3 children, Maggie Gardner, Benjamin Gardner, Nicholas Gardner, all at home, siblings, Jimmy Gardner, Wapakoneta, OH, Teresa (Alan) Gardner-Handley, Clearwater, FL, Eric (Lara) Gardner, Baton Rouge, LA, a ½ sister, Kathy (Travis) Temple, Celina, OH, grandmother, Evelyn Barlow, Wapakoneta, brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Dennis (Maryann) Elliott, Columbus, OH, John (Marcia) Elliott, Shawnee, Jerry Price, Celina, OH, Carl (Beth) Elliott, Shawnee, OH, Susie Elliott, Wapakoneta, Mike (Pam) Elliott, Wapakoneta, Pat (Paula) Elliott, New Bremen, OH, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant brother & infant sister, Margaret & Paul Gardner, and a sister-in-law, Cathy (Elliott) Price. David retired from the U.S. Navy in 2001. He was a 1982 graduate of Wapakoneta Senior High School, and was pursuing a degree in secondary education at The Ohio State University-Lima. He had planned to be a football coach and teacher. Football was his passion, and he volunteered as a football coach in the Memphis, TN inner city schools, Pensacola Catholic and at the Wapakoneta Middle School for 2 years. He was also a football referee and officiated many games in the area. His hobbies included gourmet cooking, designing and baking cakes, disc golf, and spending time with his family, especially his children. He was an avid Cincinnati Bengals fan. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m., Sun. Aug. 8, 2010, at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, Pastor Greg Roberts officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., Sat. Aug. 7, 2010 at the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta VFW, at the funeral home following the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

David E. Gardner

May 24, 1964 - August 4, 2010