John D. Gardner, Sr.

John D. “Catfish” Gardner, Sr., 67 of Logan, WV departed this life on Saturday, July 12th, 2025, at Logan Regional Medical Center in Logan, WV.

He was born on February 6th, 1958, in Logan, WV to the late Watson Gardner, Sr. and Frances (Hill) Gardner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Gardner; special friends, Charles “Boat” Boatwright, Charles “Butterman” Jordan, and Harrison Shephard.

He was a school bus driver for Logan County Schools and enjoyed being a referee. Fishing was his favorite thing in the world and if you went fishing with him, you were guaranteed to put in a twelve-hour day at the pond. He didn't only catch the most and biggest catfish, but he fried the best catfish around, that was his pride and joy that he shared with many.

Those left to cherish his memory includes two sons, John “J.D." Gardner, Jr. of Logan, WV and Cody Gardner of Logan, WV; brothers, Watson, Jr. of Cleveland, OH, Jerry of Louisville, KY, Curtis Neil of Buffalo, NY, Jim Wesley (Makerita) of San Sangelo, TX, Bill (Donna) of Whitman, WV, and Raymond (Sharon) of Miami, FL; sisters, Carrie Mae of Cleveland, OH, Martha Morris of Louisville, KY, and Alretha Kay of Louisville, KY; grandchildren, Deanna, Malaysia, Kyle, Maliki, Jaylissa, Kamaya, Kayden, Jamerra, Jacarri, Kingston, Kian; life companion, Lovely Ann Gardner; special friends: caregiver and nephew, Raymond Gardner, Charles Jordan, Ralph Rodighiero; and a lifetime of friends and community in Logan County.

The family would like to give a special thank you to all the staff at Logan Regional Medical Center and L.E.A.S.A for all their love, support, and guidance.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm Saturday, July 19, 2025, at First Baptist Church of McConnell in McConnell, WV with Pastor John E. Godby officiating.

A visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Collins Funeral Home, Inc. of Switzer, WV.