ALBERT L. GARDNER, 83, of Winfield, Kansas died Wednesday morning, March 14, 2012 at William Newton Hospital in Winfield.

Born January 24, 1929, in Preston, Kansas he was the son of Christopher and Blanche (Simmons) Gardner. He was raised and received his education in south central Kansas and north central Oklahoma.

Albert was united in marriage to Marjorie Lea Adams on August 24, 1947 in Winfield, Kansas. The couple made their home in Winfield where Albert began driving produce trucks, delivering to local grocery stores. He later was employed as a flagman for the railroad. Albert worked on several construction jobs including: welding the Kansas State Turnpike bridge braces; working on the Winfield State Hospital; and helping pour concrete for the Binney & Smith building. In 1952 he began employment for Smith-Moon / Struthers Thermo Flood as a layout foreman. Marjorie preceded him in death on June 1, 1966.

He was united in marriage to Shirley A. Hawley on August 24, 1968 in Burden, Kansas. The couple made their home in Winfield. In 1989 Albert retired from Struthers Thermo Flood. Following his retirement he was employed by USD #465 as a bus driver.

Albert attended Grace Point Assembly of God and First Baptist Church in Winfield. He enjoyed hunting, playing pitch, country western music, woodworking, rodeos, trips to Branson and going to coffee with his "donut shop" buddies.

His family includes:
His wife: Shirley Gardner residing in the family home in Winfield;
His daughters: Judy DeBruyn and husband, John of Cheyenne, WY; Joreta Bobbitt and husband, Barry of Wichita, KS; Cecilia Shore and husband, Andrew Garrison of Oxford, OH; Sheila Knapp and husband, Marty of Oxford, KS; and
His 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and first wife, Marjorie, he was preceded in death by his brother, Odra Gardner.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, March 19, 2012 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in Mr. Gardner's name for the American Cancer Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.