Lloyd "Dale" Gardner, age 86 of Troy, passed away Wednesday evening, September 24, 2003 at Belleville Memorial Hospital. Mr. Gardner was born June 4, 1917 in Nilwood, Illinois to Ethan and Sarah Kathryn (nee Miller) Gardner. He served in the US Navy during World War II and was a Pearl Harbor Survivor. He married Martha Reagor on January 15, 1950. Dale has lived in Troy since 1966, was a member of the Troy United Methodist Church, Stage Depot VFW Post 976 of Troy, Arch and Anchor Masonic Lodge in Auburn, Illinois and Pearl Harbor Survivor Association, Illinois Chapter.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mrs. Martha Gardner, of Troy; four daughters, Sharron Nickels, of Divernon, Illinois, Karen (Ed) Jordan of Leavenworth, Kansas, Krista (Phillip) Keuss of Wildwood, MO and Karla (Allan) Courtney of Troy, Illinois; 1 brother, Darrell (Shirley) gardner of Mountain Home, Arkansas; 1 sister, Shirley Fortner of Springfield, Illinois, 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death y his parents and one brother, Delmar gardner.

Friends may call after 4:00 pm, Friday, September 26, 2003 at Laughlin Funeral Home, Troy and one hour prior to service on Saturday.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Saturday, September 27, 2003, at Laughlin Funeral Home, with Reverend Dennis Price of Troy United Methodist Church officiating.

Memorials may be made to VFW Post 976, Troy.

Interment: Friedens Cemetery, Troy, Illinois