Wayne Gardner

Leslie "Wayne" Gardner joined Our Lord on November 30, 2025 at his home in Lakeside, Arizona.

Wayne made friends everywhere he went, loved to tell stories, camp, hunt, fish, listen to music. He worked as a Realtor, business owner and electrician.

Wayne leaves behind the love of his life, Kathy Gardner; has 2 children - Clay (deceased) and daughter, Brennae; granddaughter, Brittani; great grandson, Riley; mother, Mary; brother, Delbert (Kim); all of whom he was exceedingly proud of.

Wayne was born in Safford, AZ on July 17, 1952. He was raised in Duncan, AZ by his parents, Buster and Mary Gardner, along with 3 siblings, Darlene, Bill and Delbert. His dad taught him to work hard, and to love the outdoors. His family attended the Baptist Church in Duncan. Wayne worked at Phelps Dodge in Morenci, completing an electrical apprenticeship and becoming the Metcalf Concentrator Electrical Supervisor.

He raised 2 children with Brenda Gardner in Duncan, Clay - his beloved son who preceded him in death, and his daughter Brennae whom he adored, and who gave him the twinkle in his eyes. Buster, Bill and Darlene also preceded Wayne in death.

In 1993, Wayne married Katharine Burgess. Together they created 32 years of a loving, full of life, amazing adventure. They moved to Lakeside in 1995 and owned and operated an office and art supply business. Wayne was an artist and good at drawing and painting wildlife. Kathy loved the world office supplies. Wayne and Kathy both received their Realtor license and worked for Advantage Realty Professionals where Wayne's friendly nature shined. Together they created memorable adventures, including many times with Clay, Brennae, Brittani and Riley. They formed lifelong friendships across Arizona, loved country music dancing with friends, camping at Cosper Family Reunions, and were campground hosts at Roper Lake State Park for 2 seasons. Wayne visited with both strangers and friends as though he had known them his whole life.

The White Mountain Calvary Chapel has been their Christian family since moving to Lakeside. They were members of the BPO Elks and the Protective Order of Moose, the NRA, and supported the Veterans Village Walking Down Ranch in Lakeside.

Wayne had a short battle with an aggressive brain cancer tumor.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later time.