Richard Wayne Gardner Jr., age 75 of Tyrone, died Monday February 12, 2018 at his home. He was born in Altoona on January 9, 1943, the son of Richard W. and Helen Elder Gardner Sr. On June 19, 1965 at the 1st English Lutheran Church in Tyrone, he married Patricia Rhodes who survives. He is survived by 3 children: Richard W. (Pam Jefferson) Gardner III of California, Kristel Ann Kustenbauder of Warriors Mark and Robert Guyer (Ellen) Gardner of Pittsburgh; one brother: David Elder (Sally) Gardner of Altoona and 7 grandchildren: Corinne, Zachary, Bryce, Abby, Kassy, Kenley and Christian.
Richard was a 1965 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he majored in Naval Engineering. After graduation he continued to serve as a Lieutenant Commander and was a veteran of the Vietnam War and helped to develop the harpoon missile system for the Navy with McDonald Douglas. He was honorably discharged in 1977 after 12 years of service. Upon returning home he began working for the John R. Wald Company as an engineer and in 2001 he retired as the company vice president.
Richard enjoyed working around the house, doing genealogy, reading and cooking. He also loved golfing and playing various sports especially playing basketball with the guys. Family was the most important thing to him and he made it a point to spend as much time with them as he could. He also enjoyed the company of his five cats.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the First English Lutheran Church of Tyrone with Pastor Sharon Erb officiating. Friends will be received on Friday, March 9, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home, Inc. as well as at the church from 10:00 AM until the 11:00 AM service. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that contributions be made in Richard’s memory to the Bedford County Humane Society, 1108 Lutzville Road, Everett, PA 15537.