William "Dave" Gardner

GARDNER, William “Dave” 7/11/1953 – 9/4/2020 William David Gardner was born to Earnest Junior and Frances Louise Gardner on July 11, 1953 in Lancaster, California. He was the oldest of four children. William, or Dave as he was called by most everyone, had the privilege of growing up in many different cities and states but eventually settled in Nebraska with his wife Rita of 28 years and the youngest of his three daughters. Dave was taught, from a young age, that God and family were the most important things in life. He treasured both and considered himself a protector for his family. He was close to his sisters and brother and had many stories to tell about his times helping his parents with their work and their travel adventures. After Dave graduated highschool he decided that he would carry his protective spirit over into a career protecting his country. He enlisted into the Marines and served until a severe injury caused him to be honorably discharged. However, he continued working in the military by joining the Oklahoma National Guard. After his discharge, Dave also spent his time working in the security field for Pinkerton and one other security company. He was also involved in the sheriffs department.He was a life time member of the Marine Corp. League, American Legion, and Paralized Veterans of America (PVA). Later in life he became a founding father for "Heroes Across Nebraska," which began in 2014, and served as the secretary. He was an avid participator in the National Veterans Wheelchair games, and went to six games. Dave had a great love for music and spent his free time playing his music and singing. He joined a country band,Hazard County, and traveled around writing songs and sharing his music with many people. On Friday, September 4, 2020, William David Gardner passed away in his home. Dave struggled with health issues for many years in his life and spent most days in pain. However, he pushed on through the pain staying kind and upbeat about life visiting with his mother and others about God, life, and current events. He went peacefully in his sleep. Dave is survived by his wife Rita, his three daughters Angela, Cynthia, and Samantha, mother Louise, brother Philip Gardner and wife Melba, sister Anita and husband Tim Horner, and sister Colleen and Husband Dale Withers. He also was survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends who loved and will miss him. Although those left behind have sadness in their hearts, Heaven recieved another guardian angel. Dave was preceded in death by an unborn baby and his father Earnest Junior Gardner. Dave is survived by his Wife Rita Gardner; Daughters: Angela, Cynthia, Samantha Ann Gardner; Mother Louise Gardner;Sisters and Brother: Anita (Tim) Horner, Colleen (Dale) Withers, Philip (Melba) Gardner; Many other relatives and friends. Visitation: Thursday, September 10, 2020 from 3:30pm-6:00pm, with a Prayer Service at 6:00pm, All at Braman Mortuary (Southwest Chapel) Graveside Service: Friday, September 11, 2020 at 10:00am at Omaha National Cemetery. Link to Graveside Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwpYm-ibPHk Military honors by the U.S.M.C. and American Legion #374 In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family Braman Mortuary - Southwest Chapel 6505 S. 144 St. Omaha, NE68137 402-895-3400