Obituary of Francis Lee Gardner

Francis L. "Speck" Gardner 84, of Springfield, formerly of Girard, passed away at his residence Thursday afternoon, August 15, 2013 in Springfield, IL. Francis was born on March 15, 1929 to Manning and Clara (Cline) Gardner in Virden, IL. He attended Virden schools for many years and served in the United States Army. Francis married Helen Marie Fitzgerald on December 6, 1947 in Virden and she survives. Francis worked for Fiat-Allis in Springfield as a crane operator from 1951 to 1983. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, camping, bird watching and building birdhouses. Francis is survived by his wife, Helen Gardner of Springfield; daughter, Alice (Lee) Garrison of Springfield, IL; son, Carl (Ginger) Gardner of Lexington, SC; 7 grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren; sister, Julia Archer of Waverley, IL; brother, Wayne (Judy) Gardner of Jacksonville, IL and several nieces and nephews. Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Manning and Clara Gardner; 2 sisters, Alma Lancaster and Dorothy Bounds; brother, Walter Gardner and a grandson, Darrell Gardner. Funeral Information Visitation will be held Monday, August 19, 2013 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Girard with funeral services following at 11:00 at the funeral home with Rev. Marty Nagel officiating. Burial will take place in the Girard Cemetery Donations Information Memorials are suggested to the Girard Fire and Rescue Squad. Directions Visitation: Davis Anderson in Girard Service: Davis Anderson in Girard Cemetery: Girard Cemetery