Doran Gardner

Doran Grant Gardner, 84, Topeka died on August 28th, 2008 at home. He was born August 15th, 1924 on a small farm east of Clifton, Kansas, the son of Guy and Lena (Babe) Bouley Gardner. He attended Chester Grade School and graduated from Clifton High School. He married Mary Dolores Veesart on June 1, 1946. She survives. Doran was a member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church and previously Holy Name Catholic Church since 1959. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus for 58 years, American Legion Post 400, Telephone Pioneers, VFW Post 1650, Rolling Sam’s Camping Club and when his boys were young he coached little league baseball and basketball. Doran served in WWII in the 103rd Infantry Battalion in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1946 and was awarded the bronze star. After he was honorably discharged from the Army he continued to serve his country as a Master Sergeant with the National Guard until 1952. He retired from Southwestern Bell / AT&T after 40 years. He and his wife enjoyed traveling by RV in their retirement to all 49 states and flew to Hawaii to make the tour complete. Doran enjoyed his children and grandchildren, friends and warm weather wintering in Texas. Other survivors include five children: Doug Gardner (Kathy), Trumbull, CT; Ann Gardner Hock (Leonard), Pensacola, Florida; Rick Gardner (Sheila), Topeka; Karen Strobel (Scott), Topeka; and Kathy McKee (Jeff), Lawrence; 11 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; a sister Maxine Branfort of Clifton and brother Raymond Gardner of Atchison. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Janet Kay and his sisters Mary and Ada Mae. Family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, September 1st at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th St., Topeka, KS 66618 where a prayer vigil will be held at 5 p.m. and a parish rosary at 6:30 p.m.. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2nd at the church with burial at Prairie Home Cemetery at 35th and Menoken Rd., Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church building fund or Heart of America Hospice sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd., Topeka, KS 66614.

Doran Gardner

August 15, 1924 - September 1, 2008