Donald Gardner, Jr.

OPELOUSAS Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 16, 2013, at LafondArdoin Funeral Home for Donald S. Gardner Jr. Rite of Committal and interment will follow in the Bellevue Memorial Park. Rev. Father Pete Smith will celebrate the Mass.

Donald was a native and longtime resident of Opelousas. He passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at Lafayette General Hospital in Lafayette at the age of 74. He was a horse rancher, farmer, and agricultural field agent for many years.

Survivors include his wife Claire Castille Gardner of Opelousas. Claire and Donald recently celebrated 50 years of marriage they were sweethearts in high school and both attended and graduated from LSU. Donald is survived by five sons Tom Gardner and wife Anne LeJeune Gardner of Opelousas Stuart Gardner and wife Francine Sibille Gardner of Cankton Ken Gardner and wife Peggy Flynn Gardner of Natchitoches Clay Gardner and wife Kim Brooks Gardner of Ville Platte and Seth Gardner and wife Brenda King Gardner of Marietta, GA a sister, Jane Gardner April of New Orleans thirteen grandchildren, Ross Gardner, Erik Gardner, Diana Gardner Fontenot, Kathleen Gardner, Spencer Gardner, Lee Gardner, Lainie Gardner, Lucius Gardner, Nathaniel Gardner, Abigail Gardner, Madelyn Gardner, Catherine Gardner, and Bishop Gardner two stepgrandchildren, Justina and Lacey LeJeune and two greatgrandchildren, Anthony Gardner and Celest Gardner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald S. Gardner, and Susan Boagni Gardner.
Donald served his country in the United States Army having earned the commission of second lieutenant and advancing to the rank of captain before completing his military service.

Donald was recently recognized by the American Quarter Horse Association as a legacy member 50 years having served as past president, cutting horse and reining judge, and advisor to many regarding quarter horse breeding and training.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 15, 2013 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm and will reopen at 8:00 am on Saturday. A rosary will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday. The funeral service will be Saturday at the funeral home at 11am.

A reception for family and friends will be held immediately following burial services at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany parish hall.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LafondArdoin Funeral Home of Opelousas 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570 3379422638 has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Visitation

Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home
2845 S. Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Friday, March 15, 2013
4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Service

ROSARY

LafondArdoin Funeral Home
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Friday, March 15, 2013
7:00 p.m.

Funeral Home Service

LafondArdoin Funeral Home Chapel
2845 S. Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Saturday, March 16, 2013
11:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Bellevue Memorial ParkH
4833 Hwy. 182 South
Opelousas, LA  70570