William “Bill” Perry Gardner passed away on October 1, 2022.

Bill was born in Norfolk, Va., to O.D. and Virginia (Barham) Gardner on April 25, 1938. He attended Norfolk public schools and graduated from Granby High School, Norfolk, Va., Lynchburg University, Lynchburg, Va., and Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Bill was married to Nancy (Eppling) Gardner for 60 years.
Bill is survived by his wife, daughter Clare Gardner of Lovell, son Stuart Gardner and his wife Paulette of Des Moines, Iowa, brothers O.D. Gardner, Jr., and Thomas B. Gardner and his wife Susie, and nephew Christopher Gardner and family.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, grandchild David Grace Gardner, nephew Alex Gardner, and niece Sarah Gardner.

Bill was ordained for ministry in the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Bill served parishes in the state of Virginia from 1964-1991. Bill retired to Lovell, where he served several UCC churches as interim minister, was a Grand Circle Travel group leader, and was a “new agent of the year” for Northwestern Mutual. Bill moved to Des Moines, Iowa, in 2018 where he led weekly worship services and ministered to fellow residents and staff at Edencrest in Beaverdale.

Bill enjoyed hiking, camping, travel, music (listening and especially singing), family, jokes, westerns, chocolate, good food, and above all he loved to laugh. And how could we forget his love of ice cream!!!

The family receives friends beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 5 followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50322.

A celebration of life will also be held at Lovell UCC in Lovell, ME at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Lovell UCC or Greater Lovell Land Trust.