Ronald E. “Oopie” Gardner, 58, of Barnhill, died at 5:05AM on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Ron had spent over 40 years working in the oil industry, and in 1988, he started his own business, E & E Heat Treating. He later went on to start, and own, Earl’s Tank Truck Service in Barnhill and Eagle Supply in Fairfield. Ron had been a Mason for 30 years and had also been a member of the Mill Shoals Ruritan Club.
Ron was born in Fairfield, IL, on August 10, 1960, to Ronald S. “Oop” and Betty Lou (Counsil) Gardner. He was married to Elaine (Tullis) Gardner on February 14, 1987.
Survivors include his wife Elaine of Barnhill, four sisters Lois (Donnie) Duckworth, and Cindy (J.P.) Williams both of Enfield, IL, Dawna (Tommy) Spears of Somerset, Kentucky, and Ruth Ann (Todd) Nothdurft of Florissant, Missouri, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son Austohn Gardner.
Funeral services for Ron Gardner will be at 1PM on Friday, October 19, 2018 at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield, with burial in Shrewsbury Cemetery in Mill Shoals, IL. Visitation will be from 10AM until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials can be made to Elaine Gardner to be donated to charities of “Oopies” choice. The Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.