Gray Edward Gardner of Excelsior Springs passed away on March 26, 2021, at Liberty Hospital.

He was born Feb. 14, 1936, in Eureka, California, and was the oldest child of Aaron and Alene Gardner.

He served the community for nearly 75 years in the Boy Scouts of America, starting as a youth, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He served as a scout leader for much of his life. He served as unit commissioner for Pack and Troop 313 in Excelsior Springs.

His first community service project was collecting milk weed, which was used to fill life jackets for soldiers during World War II. His commitment and passion for scouting was truly an inspiration.

He attended the University of Missouri (1956-1960), where he studied engineering and ran track.

He worked for the Town and Country as a young man. He was the national engineering manager for Whitaker Cable (1964-1985), manager of OEM sales and engineering for Taylor Cable (1987-2012) and national sales manager/director of engineering for Vanguard Manufacturing (2012-2018).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vickie (Foster) Gardner; parents, Aaron and Alene (Gettings) Gardner; his sister, Robin (Gardner) Harris; and his brother, Rick Gardner.

He is survived by his daughter, Marindia (Danny) Ramsey; his son, Aaron (Kimberly Cline) Gardner; his grandchildren, Faith Minich, Sophia Ramsey, Willow Gardner, Maddie Gardner and Waylon Gardner; his brother, Jon (Cindy) Gardner; his sister, Tracy (Gardner) Pence; and numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.

A service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers we’re asking that you reach out to one of your local Boy Scout troops and make donations In Gray’s honor.