Philip L. Gardner

Philip L. Gardner, 62, of Uhrichsville, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at Aultman Hospital in Canton, after an unexpected illness. Born June 8, 1953 in Dennison, he was a son of Dorothy M. (Phillips) Gardner of Tippecanoe and the late John R. Gardner.

Phil was a 1971 graduate of Lakeland High School before completing certification through the N.H.L.A. Lumber Grading School in Memphis. He then attended Kent State University. He was active in the area’s hardwood lumber trade throughout his life, starting in family sawmills in his youth, working for other companies, and owning and operating his own. Phil was a proud member of the N.R.A. and an avid body builder. His great passion, though, was coaching girls’ softball, having been instrumental in starting Twin City Junior Miss Softball, in which he remained active. He was a member of Park Christian Church in Dennison.

On October 27, 1973, Phil married the former Barbara S. Mills with whom he celebrated 42 years of loving marriage last month. In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by children, Shannon (Ryan) Tarbert, Bryan (Lindsay) Gardner, and Tara Gardner; grandchildren, Averie, Ashleigh, Rylee, Brynley, Tyler, and Abby; siblings, Gary Gardner and Sue Gardner; and mother-in-law, Maxine Mills; as well as many dear friends. Phil will also be deeply missed by the many people whose lives he touched throughout the years as a coach, a mentor, and so much more. He was always ready to listen, to care, to give advice, and to help whenever someone came to him in need.

Pastor Scot Caley will officiate at 11am funeral on Thursday, November 12, 2015 in the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. Interment will follow in Gnadenhutten’s Clay-Union Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7pm on Wednesday in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Twin City Junior Miss Softball.