Thomas Harold Gardner

Thomas Harold Gardner was born to Joseph and Ella Coffey Gardner in New Orleans, LA on October 4, 1922. Preceding him in death were parents, wife: Martha Christian Gardner, two daughters, Thomasine Braxton and Alease Gardner, one sister; Hilda Gardner Roy, three brothers; James, William and Cornelius Gardner. He was the fourth oldest of six children. As a young boy he attended St. Monica School and Church in New Orleans. In 1943 he was inducted into military service in the United States Army Air Forces at Camp Beauregard, LA. He was honorably discharged in 1945. During his tour of duty he served in Northern France during WWII and received the European-African-Middle Eastern ribbon with one bronze service star. During the time of his military service, Thomas met the love of his life Martha in Sandston, VA while stationed at Byrd Field. She was working at a Bed and Breakfast Inn. They were married before his deployment to Northern France in 1943. Upon his return from France in 1945 they made their home in the Boar Swamp Community after a brief stay in New Kent County, Va. He remained a devoted husband for 67 years until the time of her passing in 2010. He was adamant about education and fought through the class struggles of the era to carry his children daily to private elementary school in Richmond. He was a member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Fulton until its closing. He then transferred membership to St. John’s Catholic Church in Highland Springs. He also attended Cathedral of The Sacred Heart where he served as an Usher. He retired from C&P Telephone Co. in the late 1980’s and continued working at various other jobs. Later in life he fought with various medical issues and eventually was unable to live at home without assistance. For the past 10 years he lived with his daughter Patricia, Son-in-Law, George and family for his remaining years. Cherishing his memory are sons;Andwele (Carolyn),and Alvin,daughter; Patricia (George),devoted granddaughter(whom he raised);Noelle Harris(Jay),stepson;Charles Moss(Barbara),brother;Frank Gardner(Mildred),devoted niece;Ruth Emma Kennedy,one sister-in-law,Nora Mae Christain,one brother-in-law,Oliver Christain,6 grandchildren,4 great grandchildren and many more family and friends.

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Thomas Harold Gardner

October 4, 1922 - September 4, 2015