Donald Ray Gardner

Mar. 13, 1920 - Oct. 3, 2005

Donald Ray Gardner was born on the "old Fitzer place" in Clymers, Indiana on March 13, 1920; he was the son of Russell S. and Mamie O. (Layman) Gardner. His birth certificate documents that he was delivered by a great uncle, Dr. H.Y. Mullin.

He grew up in South Bend, Ind., during the 1920s and 30s, graduating from Riley High School in the class of 1938.

Following high school graduation, he worked for a brief period of time at the Blackstone Theater, but was soon employed by the Studebaker Corporation in 1939.

On June 15, 1941 he married Gladys Baker of Plymouth, Ind. They had two children and seven grandchildren.

As a World War II veteran, he was a proud member of Company A, 562nd Signal Air Warnings (S.A.W.) Battalion, a RADAR unit. A Technical Sergeant, (T-Sgt.), he held seven campaign stars on the European/African Campaign Ribbon earned during his nearly fours years of military service.

Including his WWII service years, his senority at the Studebaker Corporation totaled 24 years. It was all for naught. He walked out with the last shift December 20, 1963 on the last day of South Bend, Indiana Studebaker automobile production. There was no pension; he received a five hundred dollar severance for his years of service.

He was an active member of the Osceola Bethel Brethren Church. Serving as a Sunday School superintendent and teacher as well as deacon, he and his wife Gladys served there consistantly in numerous church positions for well over two decades.

He retired from Allied Products Corporation, South Bend, Ind., in 1985.

=========================================

08/18/2024 DEC

09/29/2024 updated JFC
 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/110278806/donald-r-gardner