Ben Hayes Gardner's Obituary
Mr. Ben H. Gardner, age 80, passed away Tuesday morning, November 7, 2006. He was born August 31, 1926 in Martin, TN to Ben “Pete” and Ruth Marie (Kerley) Gardner and had resided in the Muskegon area since 1928. Mr. Gardner was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII and a member of St. Francis deSales Catholic Church. He had been employed by the City of Muskegon Police Department for 31 years before retiring in 1986 as Captain, and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Mr. Gardner enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. On September 15, 1951, he married the former Joan Elinor Simonson in Muskegon and she survives him along with 2 daughters, Jeanne (Michael) Smith of Muskegon, Ruth (Edwin, Jr.) Sagan; 8 grandchildren; and 3 sisters-in-law, Shirley (Michael) Koteles, Pat Simonson, and Mary Simonson. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Stephen Joseph Gardner; his parents; and 2 very special friends, Kingsley Bell and William Homfeld. PRIVATE FAMILY SERVICES will be held. Entombment will take place in St. Mary’s Mausoleum. MEMORIALS to the Harbor Hospice Poppen House will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by
The Walburn Chapel
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
1547 W. Sherman Blvd.
(231) 759-8565
What’s your fondest memory of Ben Hayes?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ben Hayes?
Share a story where Ben Hayes' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ben Hayes you’ll never forget.
How did Ben Hayes make you smile?