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Dex Gardner

Dexter R Gardner, 80, a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, brother and friend was suddenly called home November 7 th . Dex, as he was known by many, was born on September 24th, 1945 in Afton, Wyoming to Low and Ada Gardner.

He was the oldest of four children and was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on November 25, 1953. He was raised in Afton on 2 nd Avenue in a home that his family built. Due to the shenanigans of he and his younger brother, Kimball, this street became known to many as Hell street.

He was raised in a working atmosphere. It seems there was always something that had to be done. When not working, Dex, Kimball and many neighborhood friends were usually found somewhere on Swift creek fishing, building huts, or scrounging something from the dump.

He spent a lot of time during high school working on cars and building things. He graduated from SVHS and went on to spend a few months at Utah State University.

After realizing school was not for him, he moved to California and worked for two years. He learned a lot during that time but missed Wyoming. So he said that “After I was drafted, I joined the National Guard, based in Afton and moved home.” Seven years of the guard helped him see more of the world. He attended training at Fort Lewis Washington and Leanord Wood, Missouri. During his time in service he traveled to Washington DC, New York City and Kansas for Rifle matches were he earned top marksman.

He married DeeAnn Nield July 10 th 1967 in the Logan Temple. Together they had 3 children, Kellen, Tara, and Blair. They lived and raised their children in Smoot and Osmond. He did many things in his life to earn a living. He was a hunting guide for his father at Forest Dell Ranch and Deadman up Greys River. He fed elk up the Gros Ventre for a couple of winters. He helped his father log. He owned his own business doing construction. Dex’s talents were endless. He was an creator, inventor, entrepreneur, artist, business owner, entertainer, jokester, storyteller, and the list goes on.

He remembers every fishing hole, every dirt road, every mountain range, river, lake, and trail he has been on and has stories about each adventure and outing. He loved the outdoors and always said that is where his church was.

He was traveled the world and has done almost everything you can imagine but his true joy came when he was able to share this love with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even on his worst days he would light up when his great grandkids would visit him.

In Dex’s words., “I’ve always felt myself an opportunist, an object of chance. I’m proud of my heritage. I like to do things right, well and honestly. I pity the man who takes advantage of me and am more than willing to do anything for those who don’t. I love to be in the company of care-free, happy people and I hope my children will be the same.”

He is survived by his children Kellen (Shannon) Gardner, Tara (Farren) Haderlie and Blair Gardner; his grandchildren Tyler (Kristy) Gardner, Kyle (Graci) Gardner, Taylor (Tanner) Crook, Trace (Lexie) Haderlie, Riley Haderlie, Emma (Logan) Hoopes, Makell Haderlie, Haylee Gardner, Talli Gardner, Jaxon Gardner, and Elle Gardner; great grandchildren Addison, Rori, Finn, Noah and Hunter. He is also survived by his siblings Kimball (Pam) Gardner, Eko (Kevin) Paul, and Jane Gardner. He is preceded in death by his parents Bruce Low and Ada Gardner.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11 a.m. in the Afton 3rd Ward Chapel A viewing will be held on Friday, November 14 from 6-8 p.m. at Schwab Mortuary and from 10-10:55 a.m. prior to the service at the church.