Castine Lee Gardner, Jr. Obituary (1940 - 2019)

Castine Lee Gardner, Jr., 79, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. Services will be held Monday, October 14, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Lee was born on June 18, 1940 in Claremore, Oklahoma to Castine and Juanita Gardner. He faced many challenges early in life, losing both his parents at a young age but found his way, never losing the immense pride he felt about his Native American Choctaw Heritage. He enjoyed anything sports with a special passion for football and enjoyed spending time and talking ball with his son-in-laws who were special to him. He was sharp and knew a lot about everything, spending much of his time logging statistics and researching a broad range of subjects. One of his favorite pastimes was birdwatching, and he especially loved hummingbirds. Lee's love for animals led him on a journey spanning over 20 years, serving our country in the United States Air Force that began with the 36th Air Police K9 squadron in Bitburg, Germany. He truly loved the working dog, ...the one absolutely unselfish Friend, who would never desert his master, who would be found by his graveside, head between his paws, eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true, till the end. Throughout his lifetime he remained a proud K-9 brother, long after his retirement from the United States Air Force. He will be always remembered and immensely missed. There was no challenge in life that could prevent Lee from taking care of his family; loving every single one of them deeply and he was strong and present through his last day. He was a kind, stoic man with a great sense of humor. He loved being with his grandkids and great grandkids, watching them grow up, and they so loved him. He did not hesitate to become a father figure to his first grandson whom he guided throughout his life. Lee is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Mathilde Gardner; his son, Richard Gardner; his daughter, Diana Tawil and her husband, Marc; his daughter, Susan Noud and her husband, Kale; his granddaughter, Bailey Tawil; his grandson, John Gardner and his wife, Melissa, who was like a daughter to Lee; and his great grandchildren, Ethan, Emma, Emet and Ellie Gardner. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Juanita & Castine Gardner. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Michael DeGaetano, whom Lee often said was "the nicest and most caring Doctor that he had ever met". Arrangements are under the care and direction of the staff of Holt & Holt Funeral Home of Boerne. To share words of comfort with the family, please visit www.holtfh.com.