Dennis Eldon Gardner, Sr.

Dennis Gardner, Sr. passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026 and today we will celebrate his life. He was born in Park Hill, Oklahoma on December 21, 1944 to Floyd and Jewel Gardner. He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Sharon Gale Gardner, his parents, his sister Edith Rogers and brother-in law Don Rogers. He graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School in Kansas and began construction work soon after. Dennis married Sharon three days before his 21st birthday in 1964 at a small church in Rosedale, Kansas. She worked with him during their entire marriage, including in his business as owner and administrator of nursing homes in the Kansas City area. They founded Gardner Oil in 1977 and worked together in the oil business through 1989. In 1979, they moved to Owasso, Oklahoma to continue their oil business. In 1983 Dennis and Sharon opened the flourishing print and sign shop, Hot Off the Press, in Tulsa. He and Sharon had two sons, Dennis, born in 1966 and Damon in 1970. Dennis Sr. set the greatest example of what it means to be a man, husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by son Dennis and daughter-in-law Trina Gardner; son Damon and daughter-in-law Tiffany Gardner; granddaughter Danielle Hardin and husband Matt Hardin and their son Owen, grandson Drake Gardner and his wife, Haley Gardner and their sons, Dodson, Decker and Duke; his grandson Drew Gardner and his wife Brooke and their son Deaton; granddaughter Taylor Haley and her husband Tyrel; grandson Dax Gardner and his fiancée’ Macie Wayne, and grandson Dylan Gardner. Dennis was an avid sports enthusiast who was a constant presence at his sons' athletic events as proud supporters of the Owasso Rams. For more than 40 years, he continued cheering on his family, later attending the games and events of his grandchildren throughout their high school and college years. Most recently, he found great joy in watching his great-grandsons compete in football, baseball, and basketball. A lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan, Dennis also faithfully followed Oklahoma Sooners football, Mississippi State University baseball, and University of Kansas basketball. He loved spending time on the water and enjoyed many years of boating. Dennis was also dedicated to youth athletics, serving as a coach and mentor to countless young athletes. He was a member of the Owasso baseball and football booster clubs and treasured the many friendships he built through sports and community involvement. Above all, Dennis loved spending time with family and friends. A long-time church member in the Owasso area, his faith, generosity, and commitment to those around him left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Dennis was a beloved friend and neighbor to many in Owasso and Tulsa over the years and will be greatly missed. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Mowery Funeral Service Chapel in Owasso. Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2026, at First Church Owasso with Pastor Keith Smith and Ted Davis officiating. Serving as casket bearers will be Drake Gardner, Drew Gardner, Dax Gardner, Dylan Gardner, Matt Hardin, and Tyrel Haley. Committal service and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The family requests memorial contributions be made in Dennis’ memory to Porta Caeli House, 2440 North Harvard Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74115, or www.cceok.org. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. www.moweryfs.com.

Dennis Eldon Gardner, Sr.

December 21, 1944 - August 21, 2026