Richard Allen "Rick" Gardner, 64, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at his home near Osage City, Kansas. He was born on December 4, 1959 in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Joseph and Eunice (Redenbaugh) Gardner.

Rick grew up in Osage City and had lived in Dogtown for most of his life until moving to the country six years ago. He graduated from Osage City High School in 1977.

Rick served in the United States Marine Corps from 1978 to 1983 as a sergeant. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for Martin-Marietta and Hamms from 1984 to 1990. He was then an engineering technician for KDOT for 33 years. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Konza Prairie Chapter and was an active skydiver, having over 1000 jumps.

On April 10, 1992, Rick was united in marriage to Dena Marie Brown in Lyndon.

Rick was preceded in death by his son, Michael Gardner; his parents, Joe and Eunice; by his sister, Lori Fisher; and by his brother, Bruce Gardner.

Rick is survived by his wife Dena of 32 years; his son, West Gardner of Topeka; his two daughters, Brenda Harris of Holton and Jessica Olsen of Hartford; his two brothers, Kent Gardner of Topeka and Jeff Gardner of Osage City; and by six grandchildren.

Funeral services for Rick will be at 11:00am on Thursday, April 11 at the Feltner Funeral Chapel in Lyndon. Burial with military honors will be in the Alpine Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00am until service time. Memorial contributions in memory of Rick may be made to the Rick Gardner Memorial Fund, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Avenue, Lyndon, KS 66451.