Darrell Lee Gardner "Slugo" died unexpectedly/peacefully in Hospice Care on January 26, 2021 in Altamonte Springs, FL at the age of 83.

Darrell is survived by the love of his life, Janet, of Zellwood, FL; sons Tony (Carol) Gardner fro Adrian, MI, Raymond (Davina) Gardner from Bradenton, FL; grandchildren Alisa (Chad) Edison from Hudson, MI, Jenny (Chad) Gardner from Adrian, MI, Beverly (Chad) Henry from Sand Creek, MI, Danielle (Gerald) Gardner from Tecusmseh, MI, Deanna (Josh) Gardner from Manitou Beach, MI, Cody (Ashley) Armstrong from Lyons, OH, Courtney (Roman) Reyes from Napoleon, OH, and Caitlyn (Carl) Bittinger from Lyons, OH; great grandchildren, Emma, Cayden, Bryce, Harley Jane, Raven, Kasidee, Curtis, Hannah (John), Zoe, Chase, Tucker, Austin, Kiley, Elyssia, Kaden and Alexandria. Aunt Jenny Coy from Weston, MI sister-in-law Marlene Gardner from Rochester Hills, MI.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Gayle, brother Glen, sisters Linda and Reva.

Darrell was born on June 20, 1937 in Ogden, MI to Mary & Gayle Gardner. Darrell graduated from the United States Navy in 1957 with a GED and married Janet (Grob), on October 10, 1959. Darrell worked at Berrents Jewelry store as a jeweler in 1958, then worked at Kewaunee manufacturing as an installer, from where he retired.

He ran many fundraisers for Muscular Dystrophy in Fairfield Township, MI. He was a Mason, a Shriner and belonged to the Eastern Star. He was also past patron of the Eastern Star in Fairfield Township.

Darrell and Janet moved to Macon, GA in 1987 and he assisted the occupational therapy unit in Bibb County school system. In 1989 Darrell was presented an award from Emery University in Atlanta, GA for his services. He also belonged to the Golf Country Club in Macon, GA; he then moved to the Lake Spivey Country Club in Atlanta where he was a member, and produced most of his Christmas decorations, the country club presented him an award for his services.

Darrell and Janet moved to Windermere, FL where he was president of the Homeowners Association at Windermere Country Club and president of the volunteers at Health Central, Ocoee, FL. He was a volunteer at the ER at Health Central, and member of the Health Central foundation where he was in charge of many fundraisers. He volunteered at Health Central Park nursing home where he built an outdoor break area for the employees. Darrell made and set up many Christmas decorations for different areas of the park.

Darrell served as an usher at St. Luke's Methodist Church in Windermere and also as president of the Rotary Club (2015-16) participating in fundraising for Polio and College scholarships.

Darrell and Janet moved to Zellwood, FL in 2018 and he joined the Rolling Hills Community Church, was baptized on January 17, 2019 and became an Elder of the church. He was a life member of the Morenci, MI American Legion, Morenci, MI. He enjoyed spending time with his family, making wooden Christmas Decorations and playing Golf. (He achieved a hole-in-one 4 times).

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held on February 6, 2021 at 11:00 am at Rolling Hills Community Church, 4407 W. Orange Blossom Trail, Zellwood, FL.

Celebration of Life will beheld on April 24, 2021 at the Morenci American Legion, 9010 Morenci Road, Morenci, MI with a reception to follow. All donations can be made to Rolling Hills Community Church, Zellwood, FL or the Morenci American Legion, Morenci, MI.