David Samuel (Papa) Gardner passed away to our Heavenly Father on September 22, 2015. He was born in Springfield, Missouri on February 20, 1946. He graduated from Willard High School and married his high school love, Patricia Ann (Patti) Hagar, in 1965. David received his Bachelor's Degree from Southwest Missouri State University. He was an accomplished Professional Engineer working for the Missouri Highway Department and later for Southwestern Bell Telephone, from which he retired, to do contract work for AT&T. In his picture, he sits before the Veterans Memorial at Jackson Street Park, which he helped design. David loved animals, the outdoors, and knew no task that could not be done. If it was broken, he fixed it. If it needed to be built, he build it. He was frugal and very sentimental. He kept everything for the day that he knew he would need it again, or to pass on to those he knew would later too appreciate it. Papa's grandchildren, Tara and Tess Fowler, were the light of his life, as was his wife Patti and his daughter, Tina, all of whom knew of his deep love and affection even without the words being spoken. He is survived by his wife, daughter and her husband Tom Fowler, III, his grandchildren, and his sister, Becky Bell. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Naomi (Ward) Gardner, and brothers James and Daniel Gardner. David was a gentle, gracious soul, who will forever be missed. Visitation will be Monday, September 28, 2015 from 5 pm to 7 pm, and a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 10 am, each at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri.