Thomas Clare Gardner

Asheville - Thomas Clare Gardner, age 71, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend went to be with the Lord, Our Savior, on May 4, 2007. He was born in Port Huron, Michigan, on May 11, 1935 and was one of 18 children. He had been a resident of Buncombe County since 1972. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a design engineer for many years, specializing in the aeronautical industry; later on he also started Gardner Construction Company with his eldest son. Thomas was a veteran of the Korean War, serving bravely with the United States Army during that time. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Vickie; three children, Gigi Scott, and Chad; seven grandchildren; brothers, Don of South Carolina, Robert of Marysville, Michigan, Lawrence and Ralph both of Port Huron, Michigan; sisters, Pat White and Phyllis Bartlett both of Port Huron, Michigan, Carol Rock of Washington and sister Joetta Duke of Arkansas. A family memorial service was held Wednesday, May 9, 2007 in his honor. He will be missed greatly by all that knew him.