Gary Mullen Gardner

  General Notes:

Abilene - Gary Mullen "Sonny" Gardner, age 68, of Abilene, TX passed away on January 13, 2012 in a Houston hospital, after a long illness He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ and worshiped at the Westgate Church of Christ in Abilene.

Gary was born in Stamford, TX on February 9, 1943 to Preston "Peck" and Loreta "Hun" Gardner. His grandparents were Roy and Allie Mullen and Ward and Effie Gardner. His parents and grandparents preceded him in death, as well as Stella Hill an aunt who lived in the home. A special uncle, Clifton "Brother" Gardner also preceded him in death.

Survivors include: his wife Andria, a son Preston and his wife Chastity of Abilene, a son Brandon and his wife Kera, of Abilene and four grandsons Zane, Luke, Zackry, and Levi. A sister, Glenda "Bitty" Garner of Abilene and a brother, Ken Gardner of Aspermont, TX, also survive him. Other surviving family members include: a special uncle and wife Milton and Zel Gardner of Tyler, TX, an aunt, Joann Gardner of Tahoka, TX, Loy "Jimo" Garner of Abilene, Waymon and Johnnie Adcock, of Merkel, TX, Wayne and Ferrell Adcock of Merkel, and Joan Adcock of Abilene. Nieces and nephews include: Jana Rogers, Julie Barrera, Megan Gardner, Meredith and husband Chris Brannon, and Shannon and Melissa Nelson. Several great nieces and great nephews survive.

Gary grew up in Swenson, TX and attended school in Aspermont. He graduated from high school in 1961 and attended Abilene Christian College in Abilene. He received his Bachelor's, Masters, and superintendent's certificate from ACC. His first teaching position was in Lubbock, TX. Throughout his teaching/administrative career he held positions in the Texas school districts of Colorado City, Wilson, Crosbyton, Guthrie, Hawley, and Aspermont. For 16 years he took leave of education and worked with his brother-in-law, Loy "Jimo" Garner, for Key City Warehouse.
He met his lovely wife Andria Adcock while attending ACC. They were married in Merkel on May 29, 1965. The two of them taught side by side throughout their careers. At the age of 27 Gary became the youngest superintendent in the state, and was always known for his determination and dedicated work ethics. Gary's desire to serve God brought him many opportunities to serve others, and he did it well.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at the Swenson Baptist Church in Swenson. McCoy Funeral Home of Aspermont will direct the arrangements. Services are scheduled for 2 PM on Monday January 16, 2012 and burial will follow at the Aspermont Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Linda Porter and other medical Staff for their professional and caring support provided during Gary's illness. A special thanks to Friends John Ray Godfrey and Chris Henning.

Gary believed in the promises God made to him, and he has been rewarded.

In lieu of flowers family request donations to The American Cancer Society .

Family visitation will be Saturday from 3:00pm to 6 pm at McCoy Funeral Home of Aspermont.
Online condolences at www.mccoyaspermont.com.

Published in Abilene Reporter-News on January 15, 2012

Sonny married Andria Jeanette Adcock, daughter of Waymon Roy Adcock and Johnnie Arthurin Chadwick.