Dwight Gardner , 86 , of Strafford , left this life to meet our Lord, Savior and Creator on February 9, 2013 . Dwight was born to Vada and Lewis Gardner on September 3, 1926 in Fair Grove , Missouri. Dwight married Betty Rost on August 18, 1947 in Ozark, Missouri . Dwight was a member of Marshfield Church of the Nazarene, and a member of local union 663 for over thirty-five years. Dwight enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, and going on family camping trips. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Carolyn Jane Wyatt and Connie Sue Waterman; one great-grandson, Nathanial Andrew Dollins; his parents; one brother; and three sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, Betty Gardner of the home; three children, Rita Farmer and husband Charles of Springfield , Dwight Wayne Gardner and wife Linda of Springfield, and Don Gardner and wife Terry of Strafford; two sisters, Maxine Reed and Mary Highfill; one brother David Gardner and wife Shirley; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends. A celebration of Dwight’s life will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North , with burial in Pleasant View Cemetery, Elkland, Missouri . Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant View Cemetery.