Gary Keith Gardner

Gary Keith Gardner, age 77, of Morehead, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025, at his residence.

Born October 12, 1947, in Clearfield, Kentucky, he was a son of the late Watt Gardner and Elsie Cundiff Gardner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Sharon Litz, Joyce Reeves, and Sherri Ferguson; his mother-in-law, Ruby Stamper; one sister-in-law, Shirley Gardner; one brother-in-law, Patton Caudill.

Gary is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Patricia Ann “Patty” Stamper Gardner, whom he married December 11, 1974; two sons and daughters-in-law, Toby and Crystal Gardner of Morehead, and David and JoAnna Gardner of Somerset; and four grandsons, Tyler Gardner and wife Karena, Bradley Gardner, Scott Gardner, and Logan Gardner.

Other survivors include one brother, Charles Gardner and wife April of Morehead; one sister, Sheila Caudill of Hillsboro; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as other extended family and many dear friends.

Gary was a Rowan County native and grew up in the Clearfield and Haldeman area. He was a graduate of Rowan County High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard. Gary retired in 1998 as chief of the Morehead Police Department and served 23 years at all ranks from 1974 to 1997.  Shortly after retirement, he began working with the Rowan County Sheriff's Department for 10 years and retired in 2010.

Gary was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish and fish and fish. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with Toby. Most of all, he loved spending time with Tyler and Bradley hunting, fishing, and watching them play sports from the gym to the ballfields.

He was a man of “many stories” and never met a stranger. Gary’s passing leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, but his memory will live-on in the lives he touched. His legacy of service, love, hunting, and fishing will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jeff Fannin officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with full military honors by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126.

Pallbearers:  Tyler Gardner, Bradley Gardner, Wes Prather, Tabor Wright, Gary Thomas, Jr., Bryce Tackett, and David Zimmerman.  Honorary pallbearers:  Curt Cundiff, Randy Waltz, Walt Riddle, Kenny Trent, and Gary Messer.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

 View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com

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