Guy Walter Gardner

Guy Walter Gardner, 87 of Monticello, passed away at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at United Hospital System Kenosha Campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin surrounded by his loving family. Guy was born September 17, 1921 to Guy and Lois (Trevathan) Gardner in their home in Mayfield, Kentucky, the youngest of four children behind brother Errett and sisters Martha and Agnes. Guy's love of history may have been inspired by the fact that his grandfather Gardner lived with the family for much of his childhood regaling young Guy with stories about his experiences in the Union Army during the Civil War. The family moved to Murray, Kentucky where Guy attended elementary school, high school, and college, graduating from Murray State University. Guy served in the Pacific and took part in the last great battle of World War II at Okinawa.
Guy met Earline Toler the summer of 1942 in Murray, Kentucky and married after the war on March 21, 1946 at the Methodist Church in Paris, Tennessee. They moved to Illinois where Guy taught Social Studies and coached athletics at Tolono, followed by a couple of years at Forrest-Strawn-Wing High School. While at Forrest, Guy earned his Master's Degree in Administration from the University of Illinois. He then moved to Monticello where Guy was to teach U.S. History and Geography and serve as the head coach of the football program at MHS. He continued teaching there until his retirement in the spring of 1986.
Guy had a distinct and wonderful laugh that reflected his attitude toward life. He really enjoyed life. Although there were some tough times in the last few years, Guy would have been the first to acknowledge how fortunate a man he was. He met a beautiful and loving woman whom he shared his life. He was blessed with four children: Dede Tudor of Monticello, Gail (Gary) Brown of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Guy Brooks (Ann) Gardner of Burbank, California, seven grandchildren: Adam (Martha) Tudor, Audra (Charlie) Tudor, Zachary and Taryn Gardner, Carly and Dylan Brown, and Ethan Gardner, and one great grandson Isaac Mikel, all of whom he adored and all of whom returned that affection. He was able to make his living doing something he loved and touched the lives of countless people. He lived surrounded by a loving and appreciative family and community.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the Monticello United Methodist Church with Rev. Shelly Forrest and Rev. Michael Eischen officiating. Interment will be in Monticello Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Monticello Area Education Foundation.

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