Daniel Ray Gardner, 95, Hartford, died on July 21, 2025 at Parkview Heights Care Center in Garnett.

Dan was born on December 28, 1929 near Hartford, in the farm home where he lived most of his life. His parents were Samuel Ray and Emilie June Milner Gardner.

Dan attended Harmony grade school and graduated from Hartford High school.  He then attended Kansas State University.

On June 9, 1951 he married Virginia Lee Briles at Richter Methodist Church.

Dan was a member of Hartford Methodist Church. He served on the board for three different schools including 8 years for USD 252.  He was a faithful blood donor giving almost 25 gallons in his lifetime.  He grew up as an active 4-H member and contributed years of leadership while his children were 4-H ers. He was a farmer, stockman, crop adjuster and an avid woodworker.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a sister, Annie Cunningham and a grandson, Owen Gardner.

He is survived by four sons, George (Sharon) Gardner, Overton, NE, Fred (Jackie) Gardner, Garnett, David (Nancy) Gardner, Newton, and Vernon Gardner, Big Springs, NE, two daughters, Mary Hoover, Lyons and Elizabeth (Kevin) Fox, Burlington, A sister, Julia George, Aurora, CO, 19 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren,  2 great great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Memorial Services will be July 26, 2025 at 1:30 pm at the Hartford United Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Lena Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hartford United Methodist Women or the Hartford Library and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.