Vere Gardner, one of the last remaining military survivors of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, passed away listening to grandchildren singing at his bedside on Saturday, March 2, 2019 in Riverton, Utah, at the age of 96, certainly to receive a hero's welcome by a chorus of angels on the other side. Born on December 20, 1922 in Garden Grove, CA, to Serenus H. (Rea) Gardner and Pansy May Yarrington, his was a life of valor. Serving on the USS Salt Lake City, he defended our country in 38 major engagements in the Pacific during WWII. He married Artie Mae Sutton on July 15, 1945, then started a career in farming, specializing in rice. Vere was a doer who was not afraid of hard work. But he also cultivated a soft side and would share a friendly laugh with anyone.
Vere was preceded in death by his bride of almost 72 years, his daughter Diane, and eight of his ten siblings. He is survived by his sister Faith Stowers, his brother Milo, four children Sharon Miller (Lin), Jeanine Young (Richard), Brad (Penny), Peggy Bullock (Tim), and numerous descendants including a fifth generation.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 12th at Larkin Mortuary, 3688 W 12600 S, Riverton, UT, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 14th at Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel, 679 Ohio St, Gridley, CA, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 15th at 11:00 AM at the Liberty Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1259 French Ave, Gridley, CA, with a viewing prior to the services from 9:30 to 10:30 AM.
