Robert Lynn Gardner

Robert Lynn Gardner passed away Saturday, May 16, 2020 at his home in Anadarko, OK. He fought a valiant fight, for almost three years, with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Robert, "Bob," was born December 8, 1941, in Anadarko, OK to Watson S. Gardner and Arzie Mae (Richardson) Gardner. The family resided in Anadarko for several years before moving to Childress, TX; Concho, OK; and then, returning to Anadarko, OK.
During their time at Concho, Bob attended El Reno Public Schools. While in his high school years, Bob discovered a love for car racing and often competed in the Stock Car Races at the OK State Fairgrounds. Bob attended and graduated from Anadarko High School in 1961. After high school, Bob was encouraged, by a medical friend, to pursue a career in X-ray Technology, where he attended and earned his Associate Degree from St. Paul's Radiology School, in Dallas, TX.
Bob enlisted in the US Army in 1966, where he would serve three years. Bob completed Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training at Ft. Jackson, SC and then completed Jump School at Ft. Benning, GA. He was then assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, "Screaming Eagles," at Ft. Campbell, KY. In March of 1967, he was ordered to Vietnam, where he would serve in the elite 1st Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade, "Sky Soldiers." Because of his medical background, he was then assigned as a Combat Medic to B Medical Company. Bob is credited with having treated scores of wounded paratroopers during the Battles of Hill 1338 and Hill 875. During this tour of Vietnam, Bob developed an everlasting bond with his Band of Brothers, also, Combat Medics. Bob's family is forever grateful these friendships and bonds have supported each other in their post-Vietnam lives.
Upon his completion of active duty in the US Army, Bob spent a few years as the Assistant Chief of the Choctaw Nation, in Durant, OK. His radiology background would then take him to many interesting locations in OK, TX, AZ and SD, where he would complete his career. Upon retirement, from the Indian Health Service Dept., Bob returned to Anadarko to help care for his mother.
Bob was a lifelong OU Sooner fan, NASCAR fan, enjoyed bass fishing, loved guitar music and enjoyed many musical genres with various artists.
Bob was preceded in death by both of his parents and is survived by his sister, Donna (Gardner) Kozak and her husband, Ronald, OKC, OK; his niece, Layle (Reese) Krogel and her husband, Gary, and their children, Alex and Evan, from Langley, British Columbia, Canada. He is, also, fondly remembered by Ron's children, Audra Royal and her children, Emily and Jacob, Dallas, TX; Rebecca Bordwine and her children, Olivia and William, Norman, OK. Bob, also, leaves numerous cousins and a host of loyal friends.
A private Family service is planned for Friday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions may be offered to the American Legion Post 401, Concho, OK, or to any Veterans Charity.
Condolences may be left on the Ray and Martha's Funeral Home website, Anadarko, OK.