Robert V. Gardner

Boardman - Robert V. Gardner, also known to some as âa�A"Archieâa�A�, 73, of Boardman, died Wednesday, January 16, 2008 in St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Bob was born Sunday, October 14, 1934 in Carbondale, Pa., a son of Robert C. and Claire Starnes Gardner. He was a 1952 Graduate of Lowellville High School, where he ran track, placing in the State Championships in Columbus. Bob also played varsity football and basketball. He was a member of Faith Community Church, where he served as an Elder, and sang in its choir for more than 50 years. He worked as a Warehouseman for Stroussâa�a�� for 33 years and the Boardman School System as a Custodian for 10 years. He was quite proud to be a track official for over 30 years with the Ohio High School Athletic Assciation. He was a member of the Western Star Lodge F & AM 21 and a 32nd degree Mason of the Valley of Youngstown Scottish Rite. Bob loved golfing, participating in the Protestant Men's Golf League. He enjoyed high school wrestling, gardening, and taking care of the family pets. Bob sang in the Youngstown Philharmonic Chorus where he was a soloist and, later in the Youngstown Symphony Chorus for eight years. In November of 1986, he had the privilege of singing at Carnegie Hall in New York City. He was a frequent participant in the International Peace Race of Youngstown and was a member of the Youngstown Road Runners Club. An avid sports fan, Bob was also a dedicated supporter of the Youngstown State University football team. He enjoyed spending time with is wife and family, especially during annual summer vacations to Myrtle Beach. He volunteered for the Second Harvest Food Bank and the Greenford Ruritan âa�A"Canfield Fairâa�A� project. Bob also enjoyed meeting monthly with his former high School classmates for dinner. He leaves his wife of 51 years, the former Jean Eagleton, whom he married June 16, 1956; one daughter, Kim (Jim) West of Canfield; one son, Rob (Joanne) Gardner of Youngstown; seven grandchildren, Brittany "Nikki" and Brenton "BJ" Beck, Sarah McNally, Garrett Gardner, Jackie (Ryan) Grissett, Randee (Steve) Graham, and Brooke West; and six great-grandchildren, Vanessa, Jasmine and Rocky Graham, Elise, Ethan and Adlee Grissett. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; and one brother, Charles Gardner. Friends will be received Sunday, January 27, 2008 at Faith Community Church, 1919 E. Midlothian Blvd., Youngstown, OH 44502 from 1 to 2:45 p.m., where a memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Contributions may be made in Bob's name to Angels for Animals, 4750 State Rte. 165 Canfield, OH 44406 or the Second Harvest Food Bank, 2805 Salt Springs Rd Youngstown, OH 44509. Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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