Michael Bert Gardner

Michael "Butch" Gardner, age 66, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at his residence. Michael was born the son of George and Mildred (Shepherd) Gardner on December 31, 1944 in Trenton, Missouri. He was a 1962 graduate of Gilman City High School. He served in the United States Army from 1966 until 1968. On July 1, 1984, he was united in marriage to Nancy Garza in Dillon, South Carolina. She survives of the home. Michael was the National Sales Director for Exide Battery from 1980 until 1985. Then from 1985 until 1994 he was the President and CEO of the Advantage Battery Company of Dallas, Texas. He enjoyed quarter horses and playing golf. Michael is also survived by a son, Jacob Gardner of Springfield, Missouri; one sister Shirley Heffner and brother-in-law Jim of Fenton, Michigan; two nephews Jimmy and Jason Heffner of Fenton, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services will be at the Tenth Street Baptist Church, Trenton, Missouri on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. There will be a scheduled family visitation on Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri. Friends may call from 12:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri. Burial will be at Mitchell Cemetery, Melbourne, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mitchell Cemetery and may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.