Mervin Jessie Gardner, 82, of Idaho Falls, passed away on December 17, 2009, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family and friends.
He was born November 14, 1927, in Idaho Falls to Levor Gardner and Mima Lucille Oglesby Gardner. He grew up and attended schools in the area, graduating from Ammon High School. He continued his education at Ricks College and attended Idaho State University, where he received his Bachelor's Degree.
On May 8, 1948, he married Artie Lee Musselman in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. They made their home in Idaho Falls. In 1951, Merv was one of the first bus drivers to the AEC Site. After 21 years of service, he became one of the managers of Bus Operations for INEL and worked in that position for another 22 years. He retired in 1994 after driving 1,379,000 miles without an accident.
Merv was President of the Lions Club, worked many years on the Festival of Trees activities with his wife, Artie Lee, and served on the Board of Directors for Development Workshop. He also worked with his wife and son, Bradley Mervin Gardner, to start the Bridge to Braves Fun Run.
He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was currently serving as a Branch Clerk, Stake Historian and as a temple worker. He had previously served as Stake and Ward Young Men's President, Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group leader, Bishop's Counselor, Bishop, Stake Missionary and as a member of the High Council. He and his wife also served a mission to the MTC in Provo.
Merv enjoyed photography and shared his creative talent with his friends and family. He especially loved his church activities and his calling with the students at BYU-I and his current calling with the Young Single Adults in Idaho Falls.
In the last two years of his life, he had a wonderful friendship with Elaine Hanny Larsen. From dinners to music and more, they enjoyed very special times together.
Survivors include his daughters, Linda (Bradley) Johnson and Tami (Mark) Lords, both of Idaho Falls, and Toni (Sophie) Gardner of Orange County, Calif.; siblings, Barry Gardner of Sandy, Utah, Lynetta Forman of Idaho Falls, Nadean (Leland) Grigg of Nampa and Verna Christensen of Boise; 13 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren with two on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Artie Lee; a son, Bradley; and siblings, Don, Harvey, Jay, Steven, Lorna and Dick. Merv had a huge love for dogs and he leaves behind 10 family canines that will miss him and his generous treats.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 21, 2009, at the Ammon West LDS Stake Center, 2055 Coronado, with Bishop Lee Brundage of the Woodruff 3rd Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave., and from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com .
Family Tribute
Published in Post Register on December 19, 2009