Rae Gardner

Rae K. Gardner, 83, a resident of the Rouse Warren County Home, Youngsville, Pa. died there Tuesday morning, July 29, 2008 after an extended illness.

He was born July 12, 1925 in Warren, Pa. to the late John (Tip) and Mabel Knupp Gardner. He has resided in Warren County most of his life, growing up in Scandia, Pa. where he owned and operated a beef farm.

Rae was a veteran of the U.S. Army as a private serving with Battery A, 532nd Field Artillery Battalion in the Pacific Theatre.

He was employed with the former SmithHorton, National Forge Company, was a truck driver with the former Hammond Iron Works and was owner and operator of his own trucking firm. He was also employed as a millwright with Interelectric and G.T.E. Sylvania.

He was known by his family as always being a great dad and provider. He could fix anything, and he especially enjoyed remodeling and renovated numerous homes.

He was a avid hunter, fisherman and marksmen. He was known for having a great sense of humor. Rae was a member of the Warren American Legion Post 135.

He is survived by his children, Shiela Rae Birt and her husband, Eldon of Akeley, Pa., Rae K. Gardner, of Warren, Pa., John K. Gardner and his wife, Edie of Scandia, Pa., Dan K. Gardner and his wife, Linda of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Paul L. and Jed A. Birt, and Daniel J. Gardner; four stepgrandchildren, Jamie and Michele Mumau, and Jennifer and Jolene Nobles; and two greatgrandchildren, Molly and Haylie Birt. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Virginia I. Hamblin Gardner whom he married June 20, 1945 in Warren, Pa., who died September 8, 2003; and one sister, Doris Dibble.