Clyde Hershell Gardner passed away at the age of 78 on April 5, 2021 in Lubbock, Texas. He was known to his friends and family as Hershell, but was Clyde at the office.
He served his country 20 years with honor in the US Navy and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He earned an engineering degree from Texas Tech in 1984 and served in the Army Corp of Engineers for 12 years.
He retired to Brownfield, Texas and spent his days maintaining the same order, discipline, and attention to detail that he exhibited during his careers. He is remembered for his love for his grandchildren Jack, Sara, and Owen and for standing at the ready when folks needed help. A brilliant man, he was known for writing more than one thought-provoking letter to the editor.
He grew up in Brownfield, Lubbock, and other West Texas towns. He heard Buddy Holly play with his band in a garage and gave an actress who would later end up on the Lawrence Welk Show rides on his handlebars.
He married the love of his life, Dorthy Louise Chambliss, the little girl who lived across the street. Together they saw the world. He jogged through the streets of Rome and swam with sharks.
His daughter, Shellie Gardner, married David Robinson and they have two sons, Jack and Owen. Barry married Ann and they have a daughter Sara.
He was heard to say more than a few times that family was the most important thing.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Houston Gardner, his brother Robert of Columbus, GA, and his sister Maybell.
Clyde Hershell will be interred at a National Cemetary at a future date.
Fair winds and following seas. We have the watch.
