Gary Zane Gardner

Gary Zane Gardner, 78, ascended to heaven this Sunday, July 14th, 2024.

The family will receive friends 6-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17th, 2024, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur. The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 18th, 2024, at Victory Family Church in Decatur.

Gary was born July 12th, 1946, to Jack and Ova Nell (Stockard) Gardner in Bowie, Texas. He was a Bowie High School graduate and attended Midwestern State University. Gary was united in marriage June 24th, 1967, to the love of his life, Maria “Toni” Terry in Bowie, Texas at the First Baptist Church. He was a beloved husband, father, D-Dad, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many who will dearly miss him. He was a devoted member of Victory Family Church for decades, where he impacted countless lives through his faith and willingness to lend a hand to anyone. He passionately supported Victory Christian Academy and Mexico Ministries. He loved to laugh, was always joking, and everyone he met was a friend. He was a lifelong learner, entrepreneur and owner of Best Petroleum Inc. He was a licensed pilot and real-estate developer throughout Texas, where he built countless communities.

He is joined in Heaven by his parents, Jack and Ova Nell Gardner; his in-laws, Harless Hubert and Carrie Mae Terry; his brothers, Bobby Jack Gardner and Donald Gardner; his sisters, Glenna Essary and Carolyn Howard.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Maria “Toni” Gardner of Decatur; his sons, Gary Wayne Gardner and wife Shannon of Decatur, and Joey Gardner and wife Cerissa of Decatur; his daughter, Jana Decker and husband Billy of Longview; grandchildren, Brittney Taylor and husband Adam, Dylan Erwin and wife Trish, Riley Erwin, Hailey Gardner, Bryson Gardner, Ivy Gardner, Eli Erwin, Tori Gardner, Kruz Erwin, and Bode Gardner; great-grandchildren Elijah, Tommy, and Katie Taylor, many extended family members and beloved friends.