Thomas E. Gardner

On October 21, 2014, Thomas E. Gardner of Columbia passed away at the age of 78. Devoted husband of 50 years to Ann L. Gardner (nee Jones); Beloved father of Sonya Johnson of Ellicott City and the late Kevin Gardner; and from a previous marriage, Teri Rayford and David Gardner of Indiana. Caring brother of Mary Della Kendrick of Indiana. He is also survived by a loving granddaughter, Jasmine Johnson of Ellicott City and a host of extended family and friends.
Born in Prospect, Tennessee, Tom lived in Columbia since 1980. He proudly served in the United States Army for over 20 years before retiring as a Master Sergeant. After retiring from the Army, Tom worked as a Satellite Engineer for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) before retiring again after 20 years of service. A jazz enthusiast, he was an active supporter of WEAA, the local public jazz radio station. Tom was also a sports fan and enjoyed watching basketball and football. He was part of the "Breakfast Bunch" and enjoyed meeting with his former Army comrades the second Saturday of each month.