of Benton, AR
August 17, 1946 - July 4, 2016
Lester L. Gardner, Jr., of Benton, better known to his family and friends as ''Curly'' was born on August 17, 1946, to Lester and Eleanor Gardner in Casa Grande, Arizona. He passed from this life into the presence of Jesus on Monday, July 4, 2016 at Saline Memorial Hospice at the age of 69. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 47 years, Sherry Cobb Gardner, one brother, Gerald Gardner, and one sister, Barbara Jean Gardner.
Curly graduated from Benton High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He served from 1967-1974 in the Arkansas Army National Guard.
During his college years, he worked for Lashlee Steel before being hired by Marshall Rachel to work at Northern Oil Company. During his 48 years at Northern Oil, he rose to the position of President of the company while treating his employees and customers with respect born from a Christ-like spirit.
Curly married the love of his life, Sherry Cobb, on April 25, 1968 and God blessed their marriage with two children, Jim and Melissa.
Curly was a lifelong member of the Northside Church of Christ where he served as a Deacon overseeing mission work, as an Elder for seven years, as a dedicated and insightful Bible class teacher, and as a member of Jimmy Mitchell's Praise and Worship Class.
His hobby was turkey hunting each spring and he was a charter member of the Howard Mountain Hunting Club. He also loved World War II history and cheering for his grandkids at their basketball and soccer games.
Curly leaves behind, but waits in anticipation of, son Jim and wife Mandy and their daughters, Trae and Tori; his daughter Melissa Halford and husband Ryan and their children, Elliot and Keaton; his brother Al Gardner of Helena, Alabama, and a host of in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
The family invites all those who knew Curly to honor his life and legacy in two ways. First, a celebration of life service will be held at Northside Church of Christ on Sunday afternoon, July 10th. A time of visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the service to follow at 2:30 P.M. Honorary pallbearers will be the current and former Elders of the Northside Church of Christ and the employees of Northern Oil Company. Second, in lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in Curly's memory to endow the Curly & Sherry Gardner Church Camp Scholarship be made to Northside Church of Christ, 917 North East Street, Benton, AR 72015. Your gifts will provide spiritually enriching opportunities for children for years to come, a mission that was dear to both Curly and Sherry.
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12 Condolence(s)
Pam Stout
Saturday, July 9, 2016
I was so saddened to hear of Curly's illness and passing. I had the pleasure of working with him for 20 years, truly one of the most kindest, honest, Christian persons I've had the pleasure of meeting. Sincere condolences to the family.
The Jody Styles Family
Friday, July 8, 2016
Dear Jim,
You and your family are in our prayers!
Always enjoyed Curly's comments in Bible Class.
Truly a Christian leader!
He will be missed!
In Christian love, Jody, Andrea, Noah, and Adam Styles
Renita Mc Daniel
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Jim,Melissa & families,
Such a shock to hear of Curly's sudden illness and his passing. He was such a good man. I got to know him better the past several years when he would come monthly to the clinic. We would visit sometimes longer than most of our patients that came to the clinic and he always had such good advice,incredible knowledge and a good ear. I can't imagine losing both parents within a 14 month period. We love you guys so much and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Reggie Garrett
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Heaven gained a great one!!! Very honorable man.
Lyle Smith
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Chuck, William and Leigh Anne Anderson
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
We were sad to learn about the passing of Curly, however after our shock wore off our next thought was that he is now Safe in the arms of Jesus. There is no better place to be and he taught us that lesson. He will be missed by many and yet we all know he will greet us at the Gates of Heaven.
Bob and Becky Gossett
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Curly and Sherry Gardner were beautiful Christians. We loved them very much. We want to express our condolences to their family and are so thankful that they led such Christian lives. They are now together in a beautiful home in Heaven. Sincerely, Bob and Becky Gossett
Jeffery Thomas
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
I remember when Curly and Sherry first moved to Troutt Street. They were a young couple just starting out. Us young boys loved Curly he would drive the gas truck home sometimes and we thought that was a big deal. He would often play football with us in the yard. I remember once Curly got all of boys to help him get rid of all the Green Onions in his yard. We would throw them in the back of an old Truck and then haul them off to the river bottoms load up top soil and bring it back to fill the holes. Jeff, Tim, Dennis Davis, Larry Loe and myself really looked up to Curly. God gained a man which proved himself through his Works.
Cyndi Connell
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Curly was the epitome of a Christ-like example; his legacy will be felt for generations to come. My heartfelt condolences to the family; may you find peace and comfort in our Father's grace and mercy.
Phyllis McGuire Wilson
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
I remember Lester fondly as a 1964 class mate. He was always kind, friendly
& had a big smile. Your family was blessed to have him. God Bless each of you.
cliff mcadoo
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
curly was one of the best i've never heard anything bad about mr. curly.he was always the same. i know that he with the good lord looking down on all of us and" class of 64" may the good lord be with his family now and down the road of life to come. [cliff mcadoo]
Dan Scott
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
We grieve because of our loss of a dear friend, man of God, mentor and brother in Christ......."Curly". He always was ready to share with others about his love of God and God's love for him. This void can only be filled with the beautiful times we shared with Curly and Sherry. Our prayers of comfort and for understanding go out to his family.
We rejoice in knowing that Curly is with his heavenly Father, of whom he was always promised to spend eternity. I'm sure Curly would tell us all....."shed not a tear for me, I am happy with God and my loved ones." He is seeing all the things he shared in his teachings with us. Curly was a blessing to know.
Rest in peace dear soldier of Christ...yours is the greatest reward!