Charles Gardner

ANNA, Ill. -- Charles Wendell Gardner, 79, of Anna died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Aug. 26, 1929, in Jonesboro, Ill., son of Wendell Ward and Wanda Sauerbrunn Gardner. He married Millie Marie McMahan Dec. 24, 1951, in Anna. She preceded him in death Nov. 10, 2007.

Charles was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Jonesboro, Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455 in Anna, Anna Moose Lodge 1346 and American Legion in Anna.

He worked at SIU-Carbondale more than 30 years.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.

Charles is survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Archie and wife Roberta McMahan of Anna, Joe McMahan of Anna, Patricia and husband Donald Schlenker of Jonesboro, Vickie and husband Gary Sadler of Cape Girardeau; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Millie Gardner; a son, Ronald Gardner; and two brothers, Harold and Jim Gardner.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Joe Aldridge officiating. Interment will be in Jonesboro Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 3455.

Memorials may be made to the VFW Post 3455 or First Baptist Church of Jonesboro Funeral Committee Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.