Charles Joseph Gardner Sr., known by most as “Blackie”, aged 87, was surrounded by his loving family as he went to his Heavenly Home on Thursday, September 8, 2011, after a brief illness. Blackie was born December 5, 1923 in Oregon. He spent most of his working days as a long haul truck driver being a member of the Teamsters Local Union, but will be remembered best for his life of service to others. Blackie served his country during World War II; was a member of the Newaygo VFW Post #4249, the American Legion and the DAV, was a volunteer Fireman for Casnovia Fire Department, was a Shriner to help crippled children, served his community by holding various positions for the Village of Casnovia, by performing in the Shrine Circus and local parades as “Cazzie the clown”, being one of Santa’s helpers at Christmas and most importantly was a servant to his Lord by his years of hard work at Snow Bible Church, Spurgeon Bible College in Florida and by his support of Missionaries around the world.
Blackie went to join his daughter Vickie, His baby son and his son in law Gordon Harrison. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Arlene (Cone), his children Tara Harrison and Joe & Keely Gardner, his grandchildren Wendy & Duane Watson, Brad & Camille Harrison, Shannon & Nathan Thompson, CJ & Cait Gardner, Jacob Gardner & Morgan Gardner, 8 great grandchildren, brother Norman & Ravella Gardner, sisters Enola Howell, Dorothy & Bob Hobdy and several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, September 12, 2011 at the Kent City Baptist Church with Pastor Don Long officiating. Visitation will be held 2-4 & 7-9 Sunday, September 11, 2011 at the McKinley Funeral Home in Grant and one hour prior to the services at the church. Private family graveside services will be in the Seaman Cemetery with military honors under the auspices of the Newaygo VFW Post #4249 at a later date. For Memorials please consider the Spectrum Health Hospice and/or Multiple Sclerosis. Please leave condolences at www.mckinleyfuneral.com.
McKinley Funeral Homes, Inc.
231-834-5613
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September 9, 2011 at 4:24 pm
Sue and Phil
Tara and family,
We are sorry to hear about your dad. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Phil and Sue Harrison
September 10, 2011 at 11:06 am
Donald A & Marge Anderson
Good bye Blackie, We had a lot of good times together before you left for the Army during the Second World War. Fixing tires on my old Plymouth Convertible, while courting a couple of slick chicks from the area., working at the Kent City Canning Factory, wearing Wild-root Hair Oil until it dripped down our necks. After you returned from the Army, I joined the Army and we lost contact for a few years. When I returned to civilian life, I decided that I would like to be a truck driver like you. You spent countless hours teaching me how to drive eighteen wheelers. I also retired from the Teamsters 406 as a driver,” thanks to you.” People like you have made this crazy world a better place to live.God bless you. Good Bye,Blackie. May God rest your Soul, maybe we can get together again in Heaven and talk trucks and reminisce about our teen years. Marge & Donald A Anderson.
September 11, 2011 at 2:15 pm
Janice (MacDonald) Shaffer
Arlene, Tara and Joe and Families, Please know how heartbroken I was to hear of Blackie’s passing. Our families had so many good times together in our younger days and I have never forgotten those times. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and I send all my love. I wish I could be there with my Mom and Debbie to let you know how much I love you all. We are pretty much stranded with all the flooding right now out here! Blackie and my Dad are friends again in Heaven and we’ll all be together again someday.
I love you,
Janice (MacDonald) Shaffer, Wyalusing, PA
September 11, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Janice (MacDonald) Shaffer
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I love you all. Blackie, Dad and Vickie are together in a better place now. We’ll all be with them someday.
September 28, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Tena Fields
Hi, I know you don’t know me, but I remember your father well. He was a good friend of my dad’s(Arnold Fields) and visited us a lot. I am very sorry to hear about Blacky, really really liked him and very fond memories. My prayers, although late will be with the family.
Tena Fields