Richard “Leo” Gardner was born March 19,1933 in Christian County to Ishmael “Jack” Gardner and Lucille Glidewell Gardner.

He passed away on November 18, 2025 at Joy Assisted Living in Springfield, MO, surrounded by loved ones.

Leo met his best friend Vaunda Long  when he was 5 and she was 6. They married on May 6, 1955.  To this union three children were born Brenda, Mark & LaVada.

After serving in the Korean War, he and Vaunda lived in Battlefield, MO where they raised their children.  In later years, they called Nixa, MO their home.  They attended Calvary Bible Church and Church of the Nazarene throughout their married life.

In his early career, Leo worked at Campbell 66 as a city delivery truck driver.  He retired from Jones Truck Lines as a dispatcher.  Many friendships were formed during his career that lasted his lifetime.

After retirement, he and Vaunda enjoyed camping and fishing at Stockton Lake with their son and grandsons.  They also spent several years as snowbirds with good friends in South Padre Island, TX and made more friends along the way.

Anyone that met Leo loved his funny, witty personality and sense of humor.  He always had a “dad” joke ready to tell.  And he didn’t care if you had heard it already 620 times before!

He is survived by his wife, Vaunda, daughters Brenda Gardner (Beth) and LaVada Carnahan (Bryan), grandsons Rance and Zane Gardner, granddaughter Alysha Mooneyham and great-grandson, Cooper Hill.  He is also survived by his brothers, Lendsie, Jim & Archie, several nieces and nephews & a host of close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son & infant sister.

Funeral services will be held at Nixa Church of the Nazarene, November 24^th at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home South.