Kevin Donald Gardner, often referred to as Hun, Dad, Big Papa, Fuzzball, or Hope Dealer, left his Earthly home in Round Rock, Texas, and went to his heavenly home on March 21, 2023, at the age of 61.

He came into the world on August 21, 1961, in Livonia, Michigan, to Phillip E. Gardner and Alice J. Gardner, with siblings Phillip D. Gardner and Suzanne L. Provagna. Kevin graduated from Clarenceville High School and was involved with many clubs, including the Cadet Band, Guitar Club, and Photography Club, and was a Broadcaster for morning announcements.

Upon Graduating from High School, Kevin enlisted to the service of the United States Air Force and “escaped” Michigan. Upon landing at Lackland Air Force Base for basic training in San Antonio, Texas, stepping off the plane, he knew Texas was “home.” Throughout his service as an Information Systems Control Technician, he was stationed in several places, including Rhein-Main Air Force Base in Frankfurt, Germany. After eight years of service, Kevin separated from the United States Air Force in April of 1988 as a Staff Sergeant decorated with eight medals for his achievements with an Honorable Discharge.

Kevin met his soul mate and the love of his life, Melissa Gail, on April 10, 1987. They married just over a year later, on June 10, 1988, in Fort Worth, Texas, surrounded by close family and mutual friends. Their first daughter, Kristie Nicole, AKA Kris, was born in Roanoke, Virginia, on Labor Day in 1989. Their second daughter, Alecea Leigh, AKA “Mini Me,” was born in Midland, Texas, in July 1992 on “Pay Day.” Their third daughter, Harlie Nourise, was born in Round Rock, Texas in November 1997. Kevin would say he was a “minority in a sorority—totally outnumbered by left-handed females.” He enjoyed the company of many dogs over the years; Putter, Jellybean, Boomer, Mokah, Makoh, Khamo, and Riley.

Kevin navigated the professional world in Telecommunications for 19+ years with various companies, including Valueline, IXC Communications, and Level 3 (formerly Broadwing), before moving into a Principle Technical Account Management role with Taleo Oracle for 14+ years. He received many commendations and was loved by many co-workers and customers alike.

He found many lifelong friends and learned new languages while building his personal businesses. After attending several churches, his soul found a home at Upwards Church in Leander, Texas. He was active weekly helping run the services and live stream, and in other capacities throughout the year.

When Kevin wasn’t at work, you could find him at car shows, enjoying drives with Melissa to various places around Texas for the hell of it, working on his cars with his daughters and sons-in-law, scrolling social media, and telling stories of how proud he is of his family. He dabbled in painting cars, wood burning, and photography (especially his grandchildren and crosses). Kevin enjoyed a wide variety of music; from Ted Nugent and Toby Mac to Tom MacDonald.

Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Melissa. Daughters Kristie, Alecea, and Harlie. Siblings Phillip and Suzanne. Grandchildren Kasen, Sven, Freya, Týr, and Watson. Nieces and Nephews Philip, Alyssa, AJ, and Elena. As well as other assorted family and countless caring friends.

Kevin is preceded in death by his father, Phillip E. Gardner, on December 4, 2003, and Alice J. Gardner, on February 14, 2018. 

Family and friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life at Upwards Church, Leander, at 2:00 pm on April 2, 2023. Visit https://www.forevermissed.com/kevin-donald-gardner for more details. If you feel so inclined, you can make memorial donations to a charity supporting your local veterans or to Upwards Church. If you would like to honor Kevin during his Celebration of Life, you’re welcome to wear purple (his favorite color), your cross or DeColores colors from your Emmaus Walk, remember him with a wild necktie like he often wore, or simply come as you are.

The family wishes to thank the Round Rock First Responders for everything they did for Kevin and for the outpouring of love from everyone who knew him. 

Remember that you are Blessed and Highly Favored, just like Kevin.