Deloy James Gardner

DeLoy James Gardner
Hyde Park, Utah
Lieutenant Colonel, DeLoy James Gardner (U.S. Air Force, Retired), 85, of Hyde Park, passed through the veil on 11 December 2017 from complications related to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. He was surrounded by his wife and many family members who love him.
DeLoy was born 10 July 1932 in Shelley Idaho to Cleo James Gardner and Nellie Rowley. He was married to the love of his youth, Leah Pearson, in the Idaho Falls (LDS) Temple on 17 February, 1954 and raised five boys and a daughter.
His was a life of service to his Lord, country, and family. After graduating from Firth High School in 1951 he enlisted in the US Air Force, became a Commissioned Officer and served his country as a fighter pilot (including over 185 search and rescue missions in Vietnam) until retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1972. He received many honors during his military career including the Distinguished Flying Cross. His family traveled the world with him residing in many different states and countries. Deloy obtained a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees, include an MBA from Utah State University. He became the Director of Stores and Receiving at USU until 1985. He and Leah served an LDS mission in Micronesia-Guam where he was in the mission presidency. Later they were called to the Vienna Austria East mission which they were not able to complete due to Leah’s illness. Leah passed away in 1988. DeLoy met Geraldine Starsiak in 1989 and asked her to “have this dance for the rest of my life.” They married in the Salt Lake (LDS) Temple on June 5th, 1989. At that point, DeLoy welcomed two more daughters and a son into his loving arms. DeLoy and Jeri served missions to Enugu Nigeria, where DeLoy served in the mission presidency, and then to Vienna, Austria. DeLoy and Jeri served as ordinance workers in the Logan LDS Temple for 18 years where Jeri still continues to serve. DeLoy served as Branch President of the Panama City, FL Branch of the LDS church and as a Bishop on the USU campus. He also served as a ward mission leader in both Clearfield and Hyde Park, Utah.
DeLoy is survived by his wife Jeri, sister Joy Vidana (Tony, Las Vegas), sons: Ronald (Cheryl, Raytown MO), Scott (Vivian, St. George UT), Steven (Salt Lake City UT), and Matthew (Lori, Bountiful UT); daughters: Julie O’Driscoll (John, Sandy UT), Michelle (Bountiful UT) and Jennifer Johnson (Mike, Kaysville UT). He passed on a legacy of love, service, sacrifice, devotion and testimony to his 30 grandchildren and 59 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Leah, brother Jerold, sister Jeanette, and sons; David and Eric.
Friends and family may call at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street Logan from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday 15 December. A viewing at the Hyde Park Stake Center, 535 E. 200 S., will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. funeral following from 11:00-12:00pm on Saturday 16 December. Grave side services will be held immediately following at the Hyde Park Cemetery.