Roll Call Tribute

Lewis H. Gardner
February 2, 1932 - October 1, 2020

Lewis Harold Gardner, 88, of Angleton, passed away on October 1, 2020. He was a very proud member of the Aggie class of ’54.

Out of an abundance of caution related to the pandemic, private services were held at the First United Methodist Church of Angleton with Joel McKinnon and Bonnie Cowing officiating. Burial followed at East Bernard Methodist Cemetery. Arrangements were by Palms Funeral Home.

Lewis was born to Phil and Maye Gardner on Feb. 11, 1932 and grew up in Hamilton, Texas. He married Janis Behrens on January 23, 1955 and they have recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Lewis graduated from Texas A& M University in 1954 and spent his career as a dedicated high school vocational agriculture teacher for 35 years with most of those years teaching at Angleton High School. He was a faith-filled, long-time member of the Angleton First United Methodist Church and supported the church in many volunteer roles.

Lewis was actively involved in supporting his community and beyond. He was a member of Lions Club for over 60 years and was honored many times by this organization for his passion and leadership. In 2017, he was inducted into the Texas Lions Hall of Fame. He also held positions of leadership in Brazoria County and Texas Retired Teachers Associations as well as being inducted into the Angleton ISD Educator Hall of Fame in 2019. Truly, Lewis was a hard-working educator, a dedicated volunteer, a loving family member, and an avid Aggie.

Lewis is preceded in death by his parents, and by his siblings, Wylie Gardner, Doris Bridges, and Louise Lamb.

Lewis is survived by his best friend and wife, Janis Gardner, by his children Harold Gardner of Angleton, Valerie ‘82 & Philip ‘82 Reeves of Katy, and Alton & Melissa Gardner of Houston. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Brad ‘07& Jacqueline Reeves of Austin, Patrick ‘12 & Nancy Reeves ‘13 of Silver Spring, MD, and Shelby Gardner and Bryce Gardner of Houston. Great grandchildren are Jamie Reeves and Aria Reeves of Austin, and Charlotte Reeves and David Reeves of Silver Spring, MD. He is also survived by his sisters: Phyllis Smith of Gatesville and Earlene Morris of Vernon as well as numerous other family members. What love and pride he had for his family!

Memorials may be given to the Eb Grindstaff Texas Lions Museum and State Office by mailing a check payable to Texas Lions Museum Foundation: Texas Lions State Office, PO Box 294509, Kerrville, TX 78209. In addition, memorial donations can be made to First United Methodist Church of Angleton: 219 N Arcola, Angleton, TX 77515. The family is in the process of setting up a scholarship fund to award to a graduating Senior at Angleton High School, but details have not been finalized on that at this time.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the many people who have been a part of Lewis’ life and hope that we can be together at a celebration of life held in his honor in mid-February. If you have a special memory or a story to share, please email it to valeriereeves@comcast.net.

He Only Takes the Best
God saw you getting tired,
And a cure was not to be;
So he put his arms around you,
And whispered, “Come to me”.
With tearful eyes we watched you,
And saw you pass away;
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.