Earl Dick Gardner

Earl Dick Gardner, 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 27 in his home surrounded by his family. Earl’s passing marks the end of a lengthy illness, and the family is glad that he is

finally at peace.

Earl was born on December 2, 1940, in Brigham City, UT to Lewis and Alice Gardner. As a boy Earl helped his family in many endeavors, and was always willing to assist his parents, or 9 siblings in whatever they needed help with.

When Earl was 19, he answered the call to serve, and left home to fulfill a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Texas. Spending 2-years in the region, Earl spread the gospel throughout Texas and the southwest region of the United States. This experience would have a profound impact on his life, and the memories made during this time would be talked about fondly later in his life.

When his mission had ended, Earl enrolled at the then named Weber State College in Ogden, UT where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. He would later earn a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Utah. It was during his time at Weber State that he would meet his future wife, Colleen. Colleen and Earl met while attending a church dance on the campus of the college, they courted and were married shortly afterwards, on March 26, 1965, in the Logan, UT, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple. Earl was deeply devoted to the union, which produced five children (Jeff, Deborah, Paul, Annette, and Jenette).

Colleen would follow Earl from their native Utah, to Evanston, Wyoming, and again in 1977 when the family moved to Cheyenne, where he would live out the remainder of his life.

After Colleen’s death in 2006, Earl would find companionship again when he was married to Carole Nicholson of Vernal, UT on November 8, 2008. Carole and Earl enjoyed travelling the country, visiting family from Oregon, Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming. Never missing a milestone event in the lives of his numerous grandchildren.

A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Earl served faithfully in many callings within the church, including, Sunday school president; Executive Secretary; Elders Quorum President; Bishoprics; and the High Council. Later in life Earl served a service mission with Carole, assisting the Bishop Store House in Cheyenne. His membership in the church was of great importance to Earl. The friends and relationships he made there would have a profound impact on his life

Earl continued his life of service through his 37-year career working for the state of Wyoming in what is now the Department of Family Services. He was instrumental in securing funding for underserved and impoverished children and families.

Earl always sought to be of service to those around him who needed help, whether it be family, friend, or stranger, he was always willing to lend a helping hand in whatever capacity he could. The rooms in his house were often filled with someone needing a place to stay, whether it was for a night, or longer, Earl never refused to open his house to those who needed it. His patient demeanor, and sagely wisdom, were comforting virtues sought by many. Family dinners wouldn’t be complete without a post-mean living room conversation, discussing current topics, or a book that he had just read. Earl’s intellect made for profound discussions that made those around him think.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Colleen, and daughter-in-law, Debbie (Jeff), and his nine siblings. He is survived by his loving wife and companion, Carole, sons Jeff (Patricia) of Cheyenne, and Paul (Tylynn) of Boise, ID; daughters Deborah (Jeff) Schwab of Salem, OR, Annette (Lane) Ciminski of Snowflake, AZ, and Jenette (Kirk) Hoopes of Afton, WY. Earl also leaves behind many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Earl was the consummate family man, and those he leaves behind will strive diligently to carry on his spirit of family-first values.

A viewing will be held from 9 to 11 am on Wednesday, June 4th, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 7721 Badger Road in Cheyenne, with a funeral service to immediately follow.

Donations in Earl’s name may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Humanitarian Center, or Magic City Enterprises in Cheyenne.