Harry Elkin Gardiner, 92, of Port Neches passed away Saturday, October 24, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on November 11, 1922 in Port Arthur, Texas to Henry Eddison Gardiner and Ella Hoot Gardiner. He lived in Port Neches with his wife Joy since 1948.
Harry graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and earned a degree of Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Rice University in 1944. At Rice he was in the band and was the 1943 president of the Rice Engineering Society.
He proudly served in the United States Army in the Signal Corps from 1944 to 1946 in the Philippines and achieved the rank of First Lieutenant.
Harry retired as Vice President and General Manager of Neches Butane Products Company. Following his retirement he was the owner of Oily Boid Enterprises, an engineering consulting firm.
He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Port Arthur Community Home, held various positions for the First United Methodist Church of Port Neches, and was on the Board of Directors for the First National Bank of Port Neches. He was also a member of the Rotary Club and the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at First United Methodist Church of Port Neches with Dr. Wesley Welborn officiating. A visitation for family and friends will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the church.
Harry is survived by his wife of 70 years, Joy Gardiner of Port Neches, three daughters, Marilyn Gardiner Uptmor and husband, Max , Sherry Varner and husband, David and Leslie Symmonds and husband, Jon, sister, Glenna Jane Grimmer and husband, George, nine grandchildren, Aaron Varner, Valerie Mourot and husband, Jordan, Ross Varner, Michael Varner, Colin Varner, Heather Imhoff, Holly Imhoff, Devin Symmonds and Dustin Symmonds, and four great grandchildren, Jake Mourot, London Symmonds, Josie Symmonds, and Cambria Symmonds, and nephews and nieces.
Harry was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was very considerate and dearly loved by his family and all who knew him.
Many thanks to all the medical personnel and the caregivers, Corkie and Kathleen, who gave him such special care these last several months.
Friends wishing to make memorial contributions may send them to: First United Methodist Church of Port Neches, 1826 Nall, Port Neches, TX 77651.