Prince Gardner Jr.

Prince Gardner Jr, 68 was born on January 1, 1952 in Montgomery, Alabama, the son of Prince Sr. and Maggie Lee (Harris) Gardner. (Prince Gardner Sr. preceded him in death).  

Prince was the first of ten children.  He and his parents moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1953, there he attended Burnside Elementary Scholastic Academy, Chicago, Illinois until his family moved to Rochester, Indiana in 1968.

Prince graduated from Culver Community High School, in Culver, Indiana on 1970 and had worked at the Culver Military Academy.  Prince grew up knowing about God.  At the age of nineteen, he accepted a job with General Motors in Detroit, Michigan, working there for over thirty years before retiring in 2009.

The oldest of ten, he led by example in helping on his grandparents and parents farms along with his other siblings by planting various crops and attending to the many animals on the farms. Prince was faithful to all the things he did.  He loved to work outside doing landscaping for family and friends.

Prince was a very loving and caring soul, a gentle giant and had a very infectious smile.  He loved his family and took every opportunity to be close to them.  If he heard family was coming in from out of town he would always be one to join and fellowship with them during their visit.  Prince enjoyed helping other people.  He loved watching sports, old westerns and action movies. 

In October 2019 Prince moved to Indianapolis, Indiana to be closer to his mom and sibling’s family. There he enjoyed celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and his own New Year’s Day birthday party.  His 1st ever birthday party with his family where he cried tears of joy.

During this time, his mother was in constant prayer with him to give his life and soul over to Jesus.  His mom and family took care of Prince and loved on him.

Prince confessed Christ early morning on January 29th, 2020 with his family.  On February 15, 2020 God called Prince home.  The Lord came to welcome him into his loving arms.

Leaving to cherish his fond memories are his mother, Maggie Lee Gardner, (Rochester, Indiana), his son, Prince Gardner III, (Detroit, Michigan), siblings, Gladys (Tommy) Hamer, (Atlanta, Georgia), David Gardner, (Chicago, Illinois), Melinda (Raymond) Salary, (Michigan City, Indiana), Jerome (Annetta) Gardner, (St. Louis, Missouri), Patricia (Jerry) Booth, (Indianapolis, Indiana), Glen Gardner, (Rochester, Indiana), Juanita Gardner, (Indianapolis, Indiana), Duane (Vanessa) Gardner, (Indianapolis, Indiana), Elizabeth Coffey, (Indianapolis, Indiana), and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral homegoing services will start at 11:00 A.M. Saturday February 22, 2020 at the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 717 E. 10th Street, Michigan City, Indiana.

Viewing before homegoing at the church from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Saturday.

Repast at Michigan City Elks Lodge, 416 East U.S. Highway 20, Michigan City, Indiana, 46360, Burial will take place at 10:00 A.M. Sunday February 23, 2020 at Leiters Ford Cemetery, Leiters Ford, Indiana.

Arrangements by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

The family express their condolences and acknowledgements

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