Obituary of Walter Gardner

Walter E. Gardner (known to all as Duke), 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 25th at home in Seminole, FL, while holding the hand of his loving wife, June. They were married 62 wonderful, crazy, funny and precious years. Duke was a graduate of Scotia High School, class of 1947. He played drums in the Scotia High Band and in later years for the Gordon Riddell Scotch Band from the 139th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron Air National Guard, (later known as Stratton Air National Guard Base) in Schenectady, NY. Subsequently, he passed a love for the drums to his younger brother and sons. Later, Duke attended classes at the State University of New York in Albany, NY. He also attended the Casualty and Claim School near Pittsburg, PA, and graduated with over 40 other students from all over the country for the Aetna Ins. Co. where he was employed then. Duke served 27 years in the U.S. Air National Guard, 109th squadron based at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Schenectady, NY and was activated during that time. Later, Duke joined the Public work force as a member of the NY State Dept. of Motor Vehicles. After retiring from the NY State Dept. of Motor Vehicles, Hearing and Adjudication Div in Albany, NY, in 1992, he started to do what he loved most, which was traveling across and around the United States, Canada and Mexico, visiting national parks, shrines, churches, and historical places. He traveled for more than 17 years in a motor home with his wife, family and friends and made many new friends with his wonderful sense of humor and his knowledge of history. Duke also served as a baseball coach to all three of his sons. Duke remained affiliated with the 109th Alumni Assoc. at the Stratton ANG Base in Schenectady, NY, and the American Legion, Post 273 at Madeira Beach, FL. He was a loving, caring husband and a guiding light to his sons, grandchildren and all children who met him. He loved them all and was loved in return. We will all miss him and his charm, his singular wit, funny stories, quips and humorous ways. Duke was predeceased by his eldest son, James D. Gardner, a disabled U.S. Marine; and two brothers, William Gardner and Robert Gardner; and also by his daughter-in-law, Cathy June Gardner. He is survived by his wife, June C. Gardner of Seminole, FL; two sons, Robert V. Gardner (Susan Huhn) of Schenectady, NY and Martin A. Gardner (Robin Jusenius) of Malta, NY; his brother, Raymond A. Gardner (Susan Allan) of San Antonio, TX; his sister-in-law, Virginia Strow of Rotterdam, NY; also five grandchildren, Danielle A. Gardner (Kyle Madison), Jeffrey E. Gardner (Kaila Eaves), Scott R. Gardner, Gwendolyn Coffey, and Francesca I. Gardner; along with one great-grandson, Jace E. Gardner; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Memorial service will be held on Monday, Sept. 16th at 2 p.m. in the chapel at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.