MILFORD — John Elmer Gardner Jr., 84, Milford, passed away March 18, 2017, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Syracuse. He was born June 14, 1932, to John Elmer Sr. and Florence Estella Orn Gardner in Milford. He graduated from Milford High School and went on to honorably serve his country in the U.S. Navy as an air flight instructor during the Korean conflict. During his service, he received training to be an electrician, which he put to use at Koontz Wagner Electric Company for many years. He was an active outdoorsman; he loved the woods and spending time with his horses. He enjoyed hunting and was a member of Ducks Unlimited, Pope and Young Club, National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He always looked forward to his annual Colorado and Alaska hunting trips. He was a dedicated volunteer in the community and enjoyed visiting nursing homes. He also loved advocating for the Honor Flight, which he was privileged to take in October 2015, and would go tell other service men and women about his experience, encouraging them to participate in the program. He was a member of Milford Christian Church, the Electrical IBEW, a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed having a cup of coffee with friends at the local Stop ’n Go. He will be missed by his wife of 26 years, Cinda Gardner, Milford; his children: John L. (Kathleen) Gardner, Durango, Colo.; Kimberly (Dennis) Fusco, Hilton Head Island, S.C.; and Daniil Gardner and Elena Gardner, both of Milford; a grandson, Jason R. (Tara) Graff, Elkhart; a great-grandson, Cole L. Graff, Elkhart; and two sisters, Leatrice Rapp, Milford, and Marilyn Haney, Goshen. A funeral service in honor of John will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Milford Christian Church. Pastor Rick Brouillette will officiate, and burial with military honors will follow at Milford Cemetery. A lunch gathering with family and friends will be at Milford Christian Church immediately following the graveside service. Friends and family will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Milford. ***** Memorials to Honor Flight NE IN, P.O. Box 5, Huntertown, IN 46748; or Milford Christian Church, 201 N. Henry St., Milford, IN 46542.
