Kenneth Dwight Gardner was born on March 26, 1947, in Wilmington, Delaware, to Harry Laconte Gardner and Alice Mae Gardner (Smith). He grew up with his siblings—Harry, LaVonne, Phyllis, William, Phillip, Timothy, and Alice—in a loving and supportive family. Kenneth attended and graduated from Wilmington High School. He later went on to attend The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where he received his diploma in Advanced Advertising Illustration in 1967. He then went on to Moody Bible Institute to complete all requirements in The Work of a Pastor in 1993.

Kenneth became a member of the Cathedral of Tomorrow, pastored by Rex Humbard, in 1977 and was a faithful member for many years before relocating to Lexington Church and finally settling at Union Avenue Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, where he served for the rest of his days. Kenneth loved serving the Lord—this was his calling. He started every day with, “Rise and shine and give God the glory,” and ended every night with, “God be with you…” always expecting a response of, “And with you.”

Kenneth had a successful career as the storekeeper for the City of Cleveland’s Water Department for years until his retirement in 2004. But many of you may remember him as a part-time, late-night radio announcer for nine years for the Moody Bible Radio Station, WCRF 103.3 FM (On Your Radio Dial!). Kenneth was a generous and active community member, volunteering as a chaplain at the city jail every Saturday and at the nursing home every Wednesday. He gave his time to the Union-Miles Development Corporation and was a part of the Neighborhood Watch.

If the Word was the blood in Ken’s veins and his wife was the wind beneath his wings, then art was the sun on his face. Kenneth loved to paint and draw—he had a passion for it. You could always find him at Garfield Park drawing something. He lit up when you talked about art.

Kenneth, a.k.a. Demetrius, married Ann Sherril Gardner (Frett), his “one and only,” on March 25, 1970—his true partner and love. This year marked their 55th wedding anniversary. Together, they had three children: Shawn Maliek Gardner, Lana Shamain Gardner, and Ariel Elias Gardner (deceased). Ken’s faith was the center of his life, guiding him through both triumphs and challenges.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Ann; his children, Shawn M. Gardner and Lana S. Gardner; his grandchildren, Anthony Lee Jones (Antonia) and Marcel Dwight Mason-Gardner; his brothers, Harry Samuel Gardner, Timothy Tyrone Gardner (Georgia), and William Henry Gardner (Valerie); nieces Njideka, Kadeshejza, Denise, Lennette, Kwalayah, Renee, Ja~el, Tanya, Corianna, Cherish, and Shanna; nephews Devonn, Jamente, Phillip, Brandon, Timothy Jr., and Ronald (Ron-Ron); and many extended family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his son, Ariel Elias Gardner; his sisters, LaVonne Marie Cooper, Phyllis Alethea Cooper, and Alice Marie McMillian; and his brother, Phillip Alphonso Gardner.