Russell Gardiner

Russell M. Gardiner, 78, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, at the home of a son.

He was born Feb. 19, 1926, in Sparta, Ill., son of Melvin and Elsie Hopke Gardiner.

Gardiner was a regional sales representative more than 26 years with Lewis Brothers Bakery. He was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral and VFW Post 3838.

He served with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Stoddard during World War II.

Survivors include four sons, Russell Gardiner of Kewanee, Ill., Gregory Gardiner of Anderson, Calif., Steven "Oscar" Gardiner of Cape Girardeau, Ronald Gardiner of Sikeston, Mo.; three brothers, Clyde Gardiner of New Athens, Ill., the Rev. James Gardiner of Assumption, Ill., Carl Gardiner of Chester, Ill.; two sisters, Betty Rezba of Sparta, Ill., Doris Matthews of Columbia, Ill.; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter.

Friends may call at St. Mary's Cathedral Wednesday from 9 a.m. until time of service.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Entombment will be at 1 p.m. in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield, Mo., with full military rites by Missouri Honors Team.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.