Hershel L. Gardner of Port Orange FL age 73 was surrounded by family at home when he went to be with the Lord whom he loved on January 15 2011. Born August 5 1937 in Columbiana AL he was the youngest son of Buford and Alda Gardner. He was raised in Bessemer AL and attended local schools graduating from McAdory High School class of 1956. He moved to Florida after graduating from High School and joined the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 295 in 1958 where he worked at Cape Canaveral working on several Apollo missions. He started his own plumbing company Gardner Plumbing which he owned from 1983 to 2010. He is survived by Diane Gardner wife of 32 ½ years sons Brent Gardner (Tammy) of Clearwater FL and Timothy McDuffie of Port Orange FL; daughters Kim Berke of Daytona Beach FL and Heather Seiter (Brian) of New Port Richey FL brother Donald D. Gardner Richmond Hill GA sister Ruby Nell Oglesby Bessemer AL 5 grandchildren Stephen Berke David Berke Audra Patton Madison Gardner and Megan Gardner and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a loving husband and an amazing father and grandfather. Hershel enjoyed antique cars NASCAR races snow skiing and RVing with his wife and pet Chow Chow Duffie. He was known for his outgoing friendly personality was never a stranger to anyone. Visitation will be held at Lohman Funeral Home 1201 Dunlawton Ave. Port Orange FL on Monday January 17th between the hours of 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Services will be held at Crossroads Church 1851 S. Clyde Morris Blvd. Daytona Beach FL on Tuesday January 18th at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Daytona Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network 2141 Rosecrans Ave. Ste 7000 El Segundo CA 90245 or the Hospice of Volusia/Flagler 3800 Woodbriar Trail Port Orange FL 32127.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Port Orange.