Dr. Clark E. Gardener, 82, of Chadron, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025.
Born April 29, 1943, in Shelby, Montana, to Velma and Harry Gardener Jr., Clark spent his early years between the family farm in Whitlash, Montana and the home in Shelby. A 1961 graduate of Shelby High School, he attended Great Falls Catholic College for two years before transferring to Montana State University in Bozeman, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
In 1967, Clark enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving until 1971 as an instructor in emergency pilot training. While stationed, his best friend introduced him to Leslie Morrison; the two became pen pals for a year before marrying on October 1, 1971.
Leslie, with her daughter Paula, moved with Clark to Billings, Montana, where he taught mathematics at Billings Central Catholic High School and coached girls’ basketball and track. Their son, Duane, arrived soon after in 1973. The family later moved to Stanford, Montana, where Clark taught and coached at Stanford High School, then returned to Whitlash to teach grades four through eight in a one-room schoolhouse.
Seeking advanced education, the Gardeners relocated to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where Clark earned his doctorate in mathematics from New Mexico State University, with a thesis focused on rural education. After a year teaching on the Standing Rock Reservation in Mobridge, South Dakota, the family returned to Shelby to care for Clark’s ailing father, Harry. Following Harry’s passing, Clark, Leslie, Duane, and Velma moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, where Clark taught at Northern State University for four years.
In 1990, Clark accepted his final full-time teaching position at Chadron State College, where he served for 19 years. During this time, he also acted as principal for several rural county schools that have since closed.
Retiring in 2009, Clark remained deeply engaged in his community, volunteering with RSVP, Meals on Wheels, Kiwanis, and the Chadron VFW Honor Guard, an organization especially close to his heart as a proud veteran.
Clark was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Velma Gardener; his beloved wife, Leslie; and nephew Curtis Gardener.
He is survived by his brother, David Gardener (Helen Gardener) of Cary, North Carolina; sister, Shirley Bauer of Rapid City, South Dakota; daughter, Paula Toy; son, Duane Gardener (Carrie Gardener); grandson, Brannon Gardener (Taylor Parson); great-grandson, Milo Gardener; and his devoted companion of the last five years, Sandi Anderson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Chadron VFW Honor Guard.
A celebration of Clark’s life will be held Friday, November 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Chadron United Methodist Church, with military honors to follow. The family invites all to join them afterward at the American Legion.
Services for 82-year old Dr. Clark E. Gardener of Chadron, NE will be held on Friday November 7th at 10:00 AM at Chadron United Methodist Church in Chadron, NE.
Clark passed away on October 27, 2025, at home in Chadron, NE.
Clark was born on March 29, 1943, in Shelby, MT.
A memorial has been established for the Dawes County Veteran Honors Guard or St. Judes Hospital. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, P.O. BOX 970 Chadron, NE 69337.
Arrangements in care of Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron, NE
Online condolences for Clark Gardener may be left at chamberlain chapel.com.
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