Lee Roy Gardner, formerly of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Friday, July 29, 2016, in Downey, California, at the age of 86 years.

Lee Roy Gardner was born on December 19, 1929, in Amarillo, Texas, to Connie and Gladys (Holmes) Gardner. He attended Blackwell Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1948. He then attended Oklahoma State University for one semester before joining the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged from the Navy he returned to Blackwell and married Mary Patrick in 1956 in Newkirk, Oklahoma. That same year they moved to California and he began working for the Shell Oil Company where he retired as a supervisor after over 30 years of service. He enjoyed going to wrestling matches and spending time with his friends when he returned to Oklahoma.

He is survived by his wife Mary Patrick of California; five sons, Ricky Gardner of California, Darrell Gardner of Texas, Darren Gardner of Arizona, Brett Gardner of California and Kerry Gardner of California; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Connie Jo Gardner; and an infant daughter.

Graveside services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 8th at the Blackwell Cemetery with Rev. Cap McIlnay of the First United Methodist Church, Blackwell, Oklahoma, officiating.