Charles A. Gardner

GARDNER, Charles Allen “Chuck”

Age 89, of Eaton, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2020 following an extended illness. He was born Sept. 10, 1930 in Powell, OH, son of the late Lester & Vivian Gardner. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Sara “Sally” Gardner, by Sally’s mother, Dorcas Keig-Copely, his brother, Victor Gardner, and sister, Maryanne Roode.

He was the co-founder of Gardner-Tobin, Inc. of Dayton, OH, established in 1959. He was a 50+ year member of The Door and Hardware Institute, Buckeye Hardware Chapter and has been an Architectural Hardware Consultant since 1957. Chuck joined the Riverdale Optimist Club in 1959 and served on most of the club’s operating committees and as it’s club president in 1981-82. He was an Ohio District Lt. Governor, 1982-83 and served as Ohio District Governor in 1984-85. He served as a volunteer field rep. for Optimist International as well as serving on other past Int’l committee assignments including the Optimist International Foundation. Chuck remained active in the Miami Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, serving as Scoutmaster for troop 370, Salem Lutheran Church and as scoutmaster for the Buckskin Trail. He served on a number of Woodbadge Courses including 3 as Course Director, served as District Chairman of Great Northwestern District and on many District and Council committees. He was also a longtime member of the Council Executive Board. Chuck also volunteered for many years with the Aullwood Audubon Center & Farm. An active bird-watcher with groups from Aullwood, The former Gem City Birders & Dayton Audubon. He was a member of the Ohio Ornithological Society, American Birding Association, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Hawkwatch International, and other groups who work for the preservation of bird species and their habitat.

Chuck is survived by his children, Lawrence A. (Nancy) Gardner, Janet E. (Ron) Fawley, Kathleen A. (Tom) Bolton & Richard C. (Paula) Gardner; Chuck’s very special friend Judith Powell; grandchildren, Heather Gardner, David Bolton, Jena Gardner, Samuel Fawley, Daniel Bolton, Benjamin Fawley, Carl Gardner, Daniel Gardner, Joshua Bolton & Sarah Gardner; great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Isabella, and Elliott, along with many other dear relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial gifts to Friends of Aullwood Audubon Center & Farm, Miami Valley Council Boy Scouts of America or the Riverdale Optimist Club.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 17, 2020, 7pm, at the GILBERT-FELLERS FUNERAL HOME, 950 ALBERT ROAD, BROOKVILLE. A visitation will be held from 5-7pm, at the funeral home, leading into the funeral service. Burial will be held the following day, Saturday, July 18, at 11:00am at Lee Cemetery in Vanlue, OH. E-mail condolences may be sent by going online to www.gilbert-fellers.com