Ronald Lee Gardner

     Ronald Lee Gardner, 71, Nevada, MO, formerly of Butler, MO, passed away on Sunday, July 18, 2010 at Culpepper Place in Nevada following a sudden illness.  He was born on June 20, 1939 in Butler, MO to James Gardner and Lora Fern Radford Gardner.

    Ron grew up in Butler and graduated from Butler High School in 1957 and later from Ft. Scott Community College.  He served in the U. S. Army from 1961-1963.  He played baseball in the minor leagues for the Detroit Tigers for several years as a pitcher.  Later he coached the American Legion Baseball in Butler.  Ronald retired from M.F.A.Oil as a bulk plant manager.  He was also school bus superintendent for the Butler R-5 schools.  He was fishing guide at the Bucksaw Pt. Marina, Truman Lake for several years.  His hobbies were fishing, quail hunting, and he enjoyed all sports, and raising Brittany dogs.

     Survivors include two daughters, Lora Gustin and her husband Hugh, Butler, MO, and Nancy Simons and her husband Landon, Ft. Scott, KS; three grandchildren, Sydney Cullison, Ft. Scott, KS, Hayes Gustin, Butler, and Kinsey Simons, Ft. Scott, KS; two step-grandchildren, Trey Gustin,  and Caden Gustin, both of Butler, MO, and one nephew, Alan Gardner, Lawson, MO.

     Ronald was preceded in death by is parents; one brother, James Gardner, and one nephew, Jeff Gardner.

     Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 23, 2010 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, MO.    

     Memorials may be given to the Butler A-V Education Foundation, P. O. Box 124, Butler, MO 64730 or the Butler Bear Backers with Arnold Hannah, 809 Hill Crest, Butler, MO 64730.