Ewell D Gardner

Mt. Morris, IL, Ewell D. Gardner, age 67, died peacefully Friday July 8, 2016, in his home with his wife by his side. Ewell was born on April 20, 1949 in Bristol, Washington County, VA, the son of Harrie W. & Mary Lee (Gilley) Gardner. He graduated from Gate City High School. Gate City, VA. Ewell married Mary Etta Heshelman on May 26, 1973 in Belvidere, IL. Ewell moved to Belvidere in 1967 to work at Green Giant and then work for Chrysler. 1976 he moved to Mt. Morris and worked for lumber yards in Oregon and Polo. Ewell most recently enjoyed his time helping Sunset Golf Club with anything they needed. Ewell was a member of Disciples United Methodist Church, Methodist Men, Mt. Morris Township Clerk, Board member at Rockford Bell Credit Union, active in Boy Scouts, bowled and golfed his whole life, wood working, volunteered setting up coffee hour at the church, Leap of Faith Music Ministry, and Lot 12. Ewell is survived by his wife: Mary Gardner, Mt. Morris, IL; sons: Benjamin A. (Amy O'Saughnessy) Gardner, Des Moines, IA and Bradley A. Gardner, Forrest Park, IL; granddaughter: Hazel Gardner O'Shaughnessy, Des Moines, IA; brothers: Gale Gardner and Tony (Jenny) Gardner, Gate City, VA, Jack (Lena Jo) Gardner, Erwin, TN, Jim (Nancy) Gardner, Charlotte, NC, Phil (Teresa) Gardner, Hiltons, VA; sisters: Peggy (Don) Bays, Hiltons, VA and Lois Hurley, Sevierville, TN; brother in law: Jim (Marge) Heshelman, Woodland Park, CO; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Ewell is preceded in death by his parents, brother: Don; and his mother and father in law. Memorial services will be held Thursday July 14, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. in Disciples United Methodist Church with Rev. Julie Bunt officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday July 13, 2016 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials to Disciples United Methodist Church and/or Sunset Golf Course. Ewell loved his family, his community, his golf friends, and he had a great sense of humor.