Lester Clint Gardner, 66, of Jefferson City, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia.

Funeral Services will be at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 16, at Arnold Funeral Home with military honors following.

Visitation is Friday from 3-4 p.m. at the funeral home.

Lester was born on February 9, 1958, in Mexico, the son of Lark Edward and Fern Arlyne (Lue) Gardner. He attended Mexico Schools until joining the United States Army, where he obtained the rank of Sergeant 1st Class.  While in the service, he graduated high school on February 14, 1978 from Big Bend Community College in the State of Washington. After serving our country for 28 years, Lester served in the National Guard Reserves for 15 years, retiring in 2010. He lived in Jefferson City and had attended Lincoln University.

Mr. Gardner worked for Scholastic Books for 15 years, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MDOT), was a supervisor for Rodel Cleaning Service.

Lester loved to bar-b-que, listen to music and treasured the time he spent with family and friends. Even though he enjoyed life, Lester was a man that embraced discipline.

Survivors included four siblings, Leta Gardner of Mexico, Lark Christopher (Mary) Gardner of Mexico, Fern Fonceile Williams of Mexico, and Garla "GiGi" Gardner of Jefferson City; partner of 13 years, Ashley Reid of Jefferson City; two children, Clint Edward Ferguson of Jefferson City and Laticia Marie Ferguson of Kansas City; five grandchildren, Ka'Liyah, Kamilah, Kayonna, Makai, and Mai'Reek; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by one brother, Lance Cardell Gardner; two sisters, Twila Arlene Walker and infant Montelle Gardner; one grandson, Kash Ferguson; nephew, Jewell Gardner; and a great-niece, Gabrielle Palmer.