Vernon Gardner

Groton — Vernon Eugene Gardner, 91, beloved widower of Flora Ellen (Bogue) Gardner, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, July 30, 2018, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side.

Born Dec. 19, 1926, he was the son of the late Charles and Alice (Conrad) Gardner. He grew up in Groton with brothers, Tyler of Chiefland, Fla., and Conrad Gardner of Gales Ferry who predeceased him.

Vernon was a woodsman, gardener and a family man proud of the Gardner lineage. He was a World War II veteran and served for four years as a Navy Seabee attached to the 1st Marines on Okinawa. After the war he was stationed in Sasebo and Nagasaki.

When he was a young man he accompanied friends on hunting trips to Maine and carried on the tradition with his sons and grandson, never missing a trip in 70 years. He was known for his large vegetable gardens and daily visits to the coffee shop with friends. He retired from the town of Groton as the superintendent of highways in 1988. He will be remembered as resolute, thoughtful and stoic.

In addition to his brother, Tyler; he leaves behind sons, Steven of Groton and David of Preston; grandchildren, Leigh of Groton, Andrew of Melbourne, Australia, Mark of Sasebo, Japan and Rachel of Preston; daughters-in-law, Laura of Noank and Mary of Preston; and many nieces and nephews.

A remembrance gathering will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, in the music room at the Groton Senior Center, 102 Newtown Road, Groton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mystic VFW, 60 Stonington Road, Mystic, CT 06355.