Donald Edward Gard, son of the late Arthur Vernon Gard and Gladys Steward Gard was born on May 12, 1943 in Pontiac, Michigan, and departed this life on January 24, 2018 at the age of 74. 

Mr. Gard was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dexter, the Vice President of Plant Operations for Health Systems, Inc., and a long-time resident of rural Dexter.

Don was a generous giver with a compassionate heart, and loved people. He enjoyed talking with folks and had a gift for telling stories and anecdote’s in a skillful and amusing way. He had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and wood carving. As a local “history buff,” he was a popular speaker at historical society meetings in Southeast Missouri.  He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and business associate to so many, and will be greatly missed. 

He was united in marriage to Barbara June Atherton on May 1, 1964 and to this union, two sons were born.  She preceded him in death on July 28, 2012.  He was then married to Patti Miller on March 1, 2013 in Dexter, who survives at their home. 

Besides his wife, survivors include two sons and their spouses, Steven and Kristin Gard of Naperville, Illinois and Darrin and Crystal Gard of Headland, Alabama: by one step-daughter and her spouse, Natalie and Richard Osborne of Grapevine, Texas: by four grandchildren, Nathaniel Gard, Chelsea Gard, Abigail Grace Gard and Hayden Andrew Gard: by two step-grandchildren, Keylan Osborne (Sydney) and Dayton Osborne: by two brothers, Bill Gard of Pontiac, Michigan and Dave Gard of Bloomfield: by two sisters, Pam Millsaps of Niota, Tennessee and Jane Peacock of Scott City.

Visitation will be held in the First United Methodist Church in Dexter from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Sunday, January 28, 2018. 

Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M., Monday, January 29, 2018 in the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Ron Beaton officiating.  Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association of Missouri, 1118 Hampton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63139-3196 or First United Methodist Church of Dexter, 501 S. Walnut Street, Dexter, Missouri

Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home of Dexter in charge of arrangements. 

Local florist that you can order from:

Jackson’s Florist -573-624-5501

Lucas Florist – 573-624-3535

Locust Street Flowers – 573-624-4700

Gregory’s Two East – 573-624-4554