Joseph Earl Gardner, 85, of Malvern, OH, passed away, Sunday, January 5th, 2014 in his home.

Joseph, "Earl," was born in Sharon, OH on October 7, 1928, a son of the late Leonard W. and Lulu Mae (Lawrence) Gardner.

He was an independent truck driver and also had driven for Roadway and Jones Motor Freight.

He served in the U.S. Army during WW II.

He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, V.F.W. Post 693, and theCatholic Men's Club.

Joseph is survived by a brother, Dale E. Gardner, of Caldwell, OH, a sister-inlaw, Cecilia A. Oprean; sister-in-law Irene Gardner; nieces and nephews Rick Gardner, Scott and Rebecca Gardner, Timothy and Cindy Gardner, Michael and Susan Gardner, Patrick and Melanie Gardner, Dale, Jr. and Melissa Gardner, Theresa and Steve Schillig, Valerie and Tim Knight, Cynthia Gardner, Suzanne and Tim Narduzzi, Edward III and Diane Friedman, Jon and Donna Friedman, Theodore and Celeste Oprean, Gerard and Sherry Oprean, Martin and Darlene Oprean, Philip and Jan Oprean, Kathleen Furbee, Maryann and Richard Dales, Cynthia and Daniel Bylene, Pamela and Gregory Robbins, 60 great nieces and nephews, 50 great-great nieces and nephews

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Agnes (Friedman) Gardner and brother Darl Gardner.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Malvern, OH, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 13th, 2014 with Celebrant Fr. Victor Cinson. Calling hours will be held Sunday 4 - 6 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. A Wake Service will be held at 5:45 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Right to Life c/o St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church PO Box 275 Minerva, OH 44657 or Community Hospice of Stark, Carroll and Tuscarawas Counties, 201 West 3rd St., Dover, Ohio 44622.