Evelyn Gardner




Davis-Miller Funeral Home





Evelyn Gardner, age 79, of Lincoln, passed away early Friday morning, October 9, 2009, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on April 21, 1930, in Urbana, MO, the daughter of the late Lynn and Delsena Hobbs Reser.

Evelyn grew up in Urbana and graduated from Urbana High School in 1948. Following graduation she attended Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, MO. On March 30, 1952, she was united in marriage to Emmett Gardner at the Urbana Methodist Church by Emmett's father, Rev. S A. Gardner. During their marriage they made their home in Sparta, Wisconsin and later in Oak Park, Illinois. In 1954, they moved to Lincoln, Missouri, where they brought up two daughters, Pamela and Debra, and became involved in the community they would call home.

Evelyn was secretary to the superintendent of the Lincoln R-2 School District for 31 years and also served as secretary to the Lincoln Board of Education. After her retirement from school, she served as the coordinator of the Red Cross Blood Drive for several years. Evelyn was a faithful member of the Lincoln United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Ruth Circle. She had served as treasurer of the church for many years and was very active in all her church work. Evelyn was a gifted musician and for many years she shared her talent by playing the church organ and piano. She played for many weddings, funerals and special events throughout the Lincoln community. She was also a member of the Lincoln Red Hats Club. Evelyn loved traveling, reading, flower gardening, antiquing and spending time with her devoted family.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Harris, on July 14, 2009. Surviving is her husband and devoted companion of 57 years, Emmett, of the home; one daughter, Pam Reeder and husband, Tim, of Marshall; a son-in-law, George Delwin Harris, also of Marshall,; four grandchildren: Nathan Reeder and Tighe Reeder, both of Marshall, ,Amanda Wheeler and her husband, Richmond; Caitlin Harris, and a great-granddaughter, Meribelle Wheeler, all of Columbia; two sisters, Flora Wyatt of Lawrence, KS and Lora Gardner, of Lincoln, MO; two nephews, Brent Wyatt and Stephen Gardner, six nieces: Ann Stewart, Kathy Gray, Wendy Matousek, Jami Wyatt, Cheri Chockley and Brenda Gardner; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, October 12, 2009, at the Lincoln United Methodist Church with Rev. Darrin Rew officiating. Burial will be in the Lincoln Cemetery, Lincoln, MO. Friends may call after 9:00 A.M. Sunday at the Davis-Miller Funeral Home, Lincoln, MO. No visitation. Family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Lincoln United Methodist Church or the Benton County Hospice in care of the Davis-Miller Funeral Home, Lincoln.
∼Daughter of Lynn and Delsena Hobbs Seser. of