Merrill "Merl" Gardner

Everett Merrill “Merl” Gardner was born on September 25, 1952 to Everett Eugene “Gene” and Katherine Chambliss Gardner. He was born and raised in Cleburne learning the trades from his dad and uncles; ultimately choosing carpentry as his career. His enjoyment of working with his hands building things for those he loved was evident in his beautiful work. He spent his youth living it up at concerts with his friends and took great joy hunting with his buddies as he aged. If he wasn’t away hunting he was hosting F.N.M (Friday Night at Merrill’s) where he loved partying at the firepit with his friends. He enjoyed hitting the horse track with his cousins and made sure to cross every back road off his map on his road trips. He was exceptionally brilliant, but humor and sarcasm made his heart the happiest. His quick wit will forever be unmatched and his sense of humor sorely missed by a host of family and amazing friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Arvin Gardner and his nephew, Arvin Gardner Jr. (Buddy). He is survived by his sister, Rebecca Rasberry (Charles), niece Catherine Rasberry Hendrix, and numerous cousins.

We will be gathering to celebrate his life with a graveside service on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 2:00pm at Rosehill Cemetery in Cleburne, Texas.