Dr. Billie L. Gardner, 91, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away Monday morning, February 15, 2016 at Harry Hynes Hospice at St. Francis in Wichita.

Born January 11, 1925 in Burden, Kansas, he was the son of Darrell L. and Ruth (Young) Gardner. He was raised and received his education in Burden, graduating from Burden High School in 1941. After school, he joined the United States Army and proudly served his country during WWII in Belgium, Germany and England. While in the war, Dr. Gardner received a Purple Heart. After the war, he was honorably discharged and returned to Winfield, Kansas.

He was married to Ilene Davenport in 1942 in Winfield. To this union, six children were born. The couple later divorced. Dr. Gardner attended Southwestern College where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry and began working as a Chemist at Conoco. He returned to school at the University of Kansas where he received his degree as a medical doctor. He practiced in several small communities in Kansas, including Douglass, Cedar Vale, Cheney and Winfield. While in Winfield, he became the Director of the Winfield State Hospital and Training Center and was noted in the Who's Who In America for his work there. He later returned to school, and served his Surgical Residency in Kansas City and then moved to Anthony where he worked as a Surgeon in Anthony and Harper. He then returned to KU and received his degree in Pathology. He retired as a Surgeon in 1986. After retiring, he taught at Wichita State University. On December 2, 2000, Dr. Gardner was united in marriage to his long time companion, Patricia Radford in Wichita, Kansas. The couple made their home in Wichita for over 30 years.

He was a member of the Church of Christ. He enjoyed flying airplanes and working in the medical field.

His family includes:
His wife: Patricia Radford of Wichita;
His children: Greg Gardner and Jackie of Maui, HI; Deborah Ingstad of Minneapolis, MN; David Gardner of Wichita; Mike Gardner of Winfield; Wendell Gardner and Jill of Harper; Susie Lear and Mick of Anthony; Trisha Mendoza and Mitch of Wichita; Travis Radford of Wichita; and
His nine grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Dr. Gardner was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Brewer and the mother of his children, Ilene Parsons.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 19, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Dr. Gardner's name for the KU Endowment Fund. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.