JOPLIN — William Arthur “Bill” Gardner, 84, Joplin, died at 10:55 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, at St. John’s Regional Medical Center.

He was born April 24, 1926, in Joplin to William Aude and Faye Viola (Hodges) Gardner and had lived in the Joplin area most of his life.

He worked 36 years at the former Miller Manufacturing Co. in Joplin, retiring in 1991 as plant manager. He also worked 12 years at Fred Ronald Manufacturing Co. in Parsons as plant superintendent.

Mr. Gardner was a United States Navy veteran of World War II. He was a former member and past president of the Kiwanis Club, Parsons; member of Blue Lodge No. 117, A.F.&A.M., Parsons; and a faithful member of Harmony Heights Baptist Church, Joplin.

He married Eren E. Phipps on March 21, 1946, in Girard. She preceded him in death on Nov. 9, 2002.

Survivors include a son, Steve Gardner and his wife, Gloria June, Parsons; a grandson, Mark Alan Gardner and his wife, Shelley, Parsons; a brother, Fred L. Gardner and his wife, Pat, New Hampshire; and a sister, Jeannie Gardner, Pueblo, Colorado.

He was also preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.

The service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, with the Rev. Charlie Burnett officiating. Burial will be in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors conducted at the gravesite. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.