H. Wayne Gardner

H. Wayne Gardner, age 85, of Evansville, IN, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at home.

Wayne was born September 22, 1938, in Butler Co., KY, to John “Ray” Gardner and Ethel “Hazel” (Mefford) Gardner Renschler. He graduated from Bosse High School in 1957 and attended Barber college in Henderson, KY. Wayne was a past member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and was a Veteran of the United States National Guard. He owned Gardner’s Barber Shop for 12 years before getting into the car business. After many years in the car business, he and his sons opened Evansville Car Center in 1988, and he successfully ran that business until his retirement in 2000. His son, Trent then took over, and he continues to operate.

In his younger years, Wayne enjoyed boating, riding his Harley Davidson with the Hog Club, and traveling to Florida with his family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the loves of his life. Wayne was an avid Evansville Aces fan and critic and also enjoyed watching high school sports. He loved meeting his Breakfast Buddies at Hardees and McDonalds.

Wayne is survived by his son, Trent Gardner (Carol); daughter, Tisha McDaniel (Stevie Jr.); grandchildren, Jourdan Boberg (Chase), Taylor Gardner, Cru McDaniel, and Kelsey Gardner; great grandchildren, Sullivan Boberg and Kipten Boberg; sister, Pam Clayton (Bob); nephews, Corey Clayton (Danielle) and Brook Clayton (Allison); and great nephews, Evan and Cody.

Wayne is preceded in death by his father, Ray Gardner; mother and stepfather, Hazel and Adam “Bud” Renschler; loving wife of 60 years, Donna Rae (Wix) Gardner, who passed away in 2021; sons, Derek Gardner and Eric Gardner; and parents-in-law, Robert “Bob” and Peggy Wix.

A Celebration of Life and Legacy will be held at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, with Pastor Bobby Pell. Burial will be Private in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.

Friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until time of Celebration of Life, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel.

A Live Stream will be available beginning twenty minutes prior to the service time. Please visit www.boonefuneralhome.net, select your loved one’s obituary, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Live Stream.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Shriner’s Children’s Hospital – St. Louis at 4400 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Boone Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Wayne Gardner. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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