Fred Gardner

Fred Gardner, 98, died peacefully January 2nd, 2025 at Carlisle Place where he was cared for by his family and the dedicated and caring staff at Carlisle and Avita Hospice.

He was born Alfred I. Gardner on November 4th, 1926 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Harry I. and Betty Mae (Pierce) Gardner and grew up on North High Street. At the age of 17, Fred volunteered for the US Navy and served in the Philippines during World War II. Upon returning from the war in 1945, he graduated from North High School in Columbus and then on June 6th, 1947, married Dorothy J. Willcox. They moved from Columbus to Southern California, where Fred worked and, in addition, began volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America. Soon, he embarked on a 35-year career as a Scout Executive on the national staff. The scouts moved Fred and his family to various locations in California, Illinois, Michigan and, finally, back to Ohio where they settled in Bucyrus in 1978. After retiring from the Boy Scouts, Fred, always a believer in hard work and staying busy, continued working for various companies until nearly 88 years of age.

Outside of work, Fred enjoyed staying active by camping, working on his house, playing music on an organ, and he took up clogging in his 70s. He was a model train enthusiast and had a great layout in the basement of his home. After 54 years of marriage, Dody died of cancer in February 2002 and Fred was her devoted caregiver. He later made the acquaintance of his neighbor, Diana Switzer with whom he enjoyed 22 years of love and friendship. Faith was always important in Fred’s life and he attended Bucyrus Alliance Church where he helped as a greeter.

Fred is survived by children, Scott (Sophia) Gardner and Sharon (Pat) Wise; granddaughter, Brenda (Mike) Livengood; great-granddaughter, Ellie Ferguson; brothers, Bud and Phillip; along with Diana Switzer and her family.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by son, William H. Gardner; exchange student son, Guillermo Kong; and sisters, Betty Jo and Jan.

Fred will be inurned next to Dorothy in the Oakwood Cemetery Columbarium.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation are encouraged to make gifts payable to American Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice. Gifts can be given through Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820.

Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Fred’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.