Harry "Bud" Irvin Gardner

Harry Gardner, age 92, of Clintonville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026.

Born on March 5, 1934, Harry was the son of Harry and Betty Gardner and was lovingly raised by his stepmother, Josephine Gardner. A proud graduate of North High School, Class of 1951, Bud enlisted in the United States Navy in February 1952 and served honorably until March 1955 during the Korean War era.

Following his military service, Harry pursued his passion for education at The Ohio State University, later earning his administration and superintendent degrees from Xavier University. During those early years, he also worked as a dispatcher for 3-C Highway.

In 1962, Harry began his long and distinguished career with Southwest Licking Schools as a social studies teacher at Watkins Junior High School. He later served as a junior high school guidance counselor before becoming assistant principal of Watkins Memorial High School in 1969. He also spent a year serving as assistant principal for both the high school and junior high school. Many former students also fondly remember Harry as the head of the driver’s education program and still share stories of their time behind the wheel with Harry.

In 1976, Harry became the first principal of the newly opened Watkins Middle School, where he remained until his retirement in 1994. Through decades of leadership, humor, dedication, and genuine care for students, he left a lasting impact on generations of families throughout the Southwest Licking community.

Bud’s dedication to the Watkins community extended far beyond the classroom. Known affectionately as “The Voice of the Warriors,” he announced Watkins Memorial High School football games for more than 20 years. He also founded what later became known as the Gardner Relays, a middle school track invitational that remains part of the school’s tradition. In recognition of his many contributions, Bud was honored as a member of the inaugural class inducted into the Southwest Licking Hall of Fame.

Alongside his career in education, Harry was known for his strong work ethic and outgoing personality. He worked as a bartender at The Boathouse and spent more than 15 years tending bar at Rocky Fork Country Club. In retirement, he enjoyed working at Blacklick Woods Golf Course, and if you were looking for Harry, there was a good chance you could find him on the 19th hole at Harbor Hills Country Club enjoying time with friends. He was also a proud member of American Legion Post 2015, AMVETS Post 0051, Moose Lodge 2434, Eagles 3261, and a lifetime member of VFW Post 8794.

Harry is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 68 years, Patricia “Pat” Gardner; daughters Theresa “Teri” Gardner and Shelly Gardner; half-brother Philip Gardner; sister-in-law Mary Alice Kerns; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother Josephine Gardner; sister Betty Jo Suter; brother Fred Gardner; and stepsister Jan Gardner.

Harry will be remembered for his humor, storytelling, leadership, and the genuine connections he made with so many people throughout his life. Whether in the classroom, on the football field, behind the bar, on the golf course, or teaching a nervous teenager how to drive, he had a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and valued.

Once a Warrior, always a Warrior.

A celebration of life will be held at Harbor Hills Country Club on Thursday, June 4, from 5:30-8:00 p.m., located at 225 Freeman Memorial Drive, Hebron, Ohio 43025.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harry’s name to Hand Me Down Dobes (HMDD) at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=V34NKLNEQGGMN, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now, or to the charity of your choice.

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