Richard Eugene "Gene" Gardner, 92, of Greentop, Missouri, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Born October 23, 1925 in Queen City, Missouri, Richard was the son of the late Jake and Edith (Gillispie) Gardner. On August 26, 1946 in LaPlata, Missouri, Gene was united in marriage to Mary Lee Stoneking.

Gene is survived by his wife Mary of seventy-one years; four sons and two daughters-in-law, Bill and Diana Gardner, David Gardner, Richard Gardner, and Steven and Donna Gardner all of Davenport, IA; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Jean Gardner of Anabel, MO, and John and Wiese Gardner of Kirksville, MO; three sisters, Betty Eitel of Queen City, MO, Martha Woods of Greentop, MO, and Irene Burtlow of CA; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Michael Gardner and one in infancy, three brothers, and one sister.

Gene worked for over fifty years as a truck driver between Acid Products and Yellow Freight, where he retired from Yellow Freight in 1987. He owned and operated (Gene's Deep Rock Service Station) in Davenport, Iowa. He was a life time member of Teamsters Union #705. Gene and Mary resided in Greentop, Missouri for 20 years before moving to Davenport, Iowa two months ago to make their home.

Gene enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and Blue Grass music, attending many festivals.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2018 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, Missouri. Interment will follow the service at Queen City Cemetery in Queen City, MO.

Family will receive friends on Monday, January 22, 2018 from noon to service time in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Billy Gardner, Jake Gardner, Adam Gardner, Cory March, Donald Eitel, and Ronald Eitel. Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Eitel, Justin Raines, Dean Halsey, Richard Eitel, Michael Gardner Jr., and Johnny Gardner.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Gene Gardner may be made to George W. Rea Oncology Clinic, Greentop City Park or to Clarrisa C. Cook Hospice, and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.