Robert H. "Bob" Gardner

Robert H. “Bob” Gardner of Strasburg passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in the care of Ohio’s Hospice Truman House on Sunday morning, August 10, 2025, at the age of 96. He was born in Holmes County on July 27, 1929, and was the son of the late Ammon and Clara (Horrisberger) Gardner.

Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty (Huprich) Gardner and his second wife, Rose (Stoneman) Gardner, four brothers Edwin, Lloyd, Dennis, and Clyde, and a sister Grace Gardner.

Bob was a 1948 graduate of Dundee High School where he played four years of basketball for the Bulldogs. He was an avid bowler, but his greatest joy was found on the golf course doing what he cherished with his golfing buddies and lifelong friends. Bob was also a skilled woodworker and lovingly crafted countless family heirlooms over the years.

Bob retired in 1992 from the Timken Company in Canton, where he had worked for 15 years. Prior to that, he worked as a self-employed carpenter, where his work ethic and commitment to excellence served as an inspiration to all. He also worked at the General Electric Plant in Dover for many years.

Bob was a longtime and active member of St. John United Church of Christ in Strasburg. His faith strengthened his bonds with the community, where he served as Strasburg Village Council President, but his true calling to civic and public service was through Lions Club International. He served over 65 years, including over 58 years with perfect attendance. His membership began in Baltic in 1958, where he served as club president before transferring to the Strasburg Club in 1970. He was elected club secretary and then served as treasurer for 15 years. Bob was elected club president in 1986 and to a second term in 1993. He also served in the District Cabinet as a zone chairman three times, as well as the Ohio State Youth Exchange Chairman, and was instrumental in establishing Camp Echoing Hills in Warsaw, Ohio.

Bob, along with his wife Rose, represented the Strasburg Club in many district, state, and international conventions around the world, making many lifelong friends in the process. Among the many commendations he received were Governor’s Awards, International President’s Outstanding Lion Awards, and the very prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Honor Award.

He will be missed by his children: Ken (Margie) Gardner of Pickerington, Rita (Ken) Mast of Dover, Denise (Robert) Stoneman Hartline and Steph (Rick) Stoneman Lautenschleger both of Strasburg. Bob and Rose were blessed with eight grandchildren: Elizabeth (Nathan) Rensberger, Rachel Gardner, Jim (Chelsey) Gardner, Chelsie Mast, Natasha (Adam) Demuth, Lexi (Ryan) Palmer, Heather (Corey) Forrest, and T.J. (Hilary) Lautenschleger. Along with ten great-grandchildren: Mathew, Sarah, and Anna Rensberger, Georgiana and Graham Gardner, Tyrus and Jack Palmer, Theo Forrest, Teagan Knowles, and Cylis Estep.

Bob never forgot a name and was an encyclopedia of knowledge when it came to most topics. He always found joy in making others laugh, and the loss of his presence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 13th at 11:00 am at St. John United Church of Christ in Strasburg with Pastor Jason Rissler officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. To sign an online guestbook for Bob, visit the obituary link on the funeral home’s website.

Memorial contributions in his name can be made to St. John United Church of Christ, 516 N. Wooster Avenue, Strasburg, Ohio 44680; the Strasburg Lions Club, 501 5th St. SW, Strasburg, Ohio 44680; or Ohio’s Hospice Truman House, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.