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In Memoriam: Charles Noel Gardner (Oct. 24, 1935 – Sept. 20, 2021)

Charles Noel Gardner was born Oct. 24, 1935 to Gaylord and Evelyn (Gilman) Gardner in Belen, New Mexico. He passed away on Sept. 20, 2021, after having a massive stroke.

Noel and his four siblings grew up on a farm in Cortez, Colorado. Noel dedicated his life to the service of God. He went to a number of colleges and universities through the years, earning two Masters Degrees (Wheaton College and Northeastern State University). He spent his adult life as a teacher in primarily Christian schools. He was a principal and taught at Markoma Bible Academy in Tahlequah, Oklahoma for 15 years, after which he and his wife, Eleanor, and their three sons moved to the Los Angeles area where he taught at Whittier Christian School for 20 years, retiring in 2000. He remained an avid reader and life-long learner.

In 1990, Elanor had a brain tumor and a debilitating stroke. She was in a care facility for nearly 13 years. Noel remained constant in visiting her every day after school, advocating for her and supporting her.

His great enjoyments in life were his music (sacred and classical), reading (classic novels, Christian topics, theology, American history, politics) and gardening. Wherever he lived he made a lovely yard with many flowers. He played the piano and organ for various churches through the years.

Noel is survived by his second wife, Darlene Roth of Mount Angel, Oregon; son, Douglas (Alisa) of Orange, California; son, Timothy (Kerry) of Gilbert, Arizona; son, David (Sandra) of Simpsonville, South Carolina; seven grandchildren and one great-grandson; four sisters, one brother and a large extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Biola University or Emmanuel Bible Church Missions program.