Maryville—Leo E. Gardner, 94, formerly of Godfrey, passed away at 1:40 a.m. Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Elmwood Nursing & Rehabilitation in Maryville.

Born Sept. 8, 1926 in Jersey County, IL, he was a son of Leo S. Gardner and Celia Mae (Woolsey) Gardner Young.

Leo served in the U.S. Navy for nearly 11 years beginning in 1943 until he was honorably discharged in 1954.  After he left the Navy, he began his career as a mechanic at A.O. Smith, retiring in October of 1988.  In the summers, he could usually be found working on his riding and push mowers and working in his garden.  In the winters when he couldn't be outside, he played his steel guitar.  He was a very talented musician.

Survivors include a daughter, Dulce Clendenny of Jerseyville and a sister, Peggy Ballard of Wood River.

He was preceded by his parents; his wife Joan (Buck) Gardner who passed away Feb. 26, 1994; a sister, Dixie Meyer; two brothers, Raymond and Joseph Gardner; and an infant grandchild.

No services are scheduled, but he will be laid to rest with his wife Joan at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville at a later date.

Professional services entrusted to Paynic Home for Funerals, with an online guestbook available at www.paynicfh.com