Steven D. Gardner, 71 of Mill Hall, PA, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Jersey Shore Geisinger Hospital.
He was born on September 22, 1953, to the late Haywood and Shirley Kinley Gardner. Steve was a 1971 graduate of the former Ben High School, where he played football and basketball.
On August 25, 1973, he married his high school sweetheart, Dorrie L. Bilby Gardner, who survives. Steve retired in 2016 from United Telephone as a Central Office Tech, where he worked for over 43 years. He was a longtime member of the Blanchard Church of Christ.
Steve, known by many as Hector, enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at his camp, Camp Little Horn, telling stories and giving wise advice through his “Haywoodisms”. He always looked forward to his annual fishing trip to New York and enjoyed traveling to bike weeks throughout the country on his Can-Am Spyder with his trusted partner, Dorrie. He was very proud of his grandchildren and loved watching them participate in sports and seeing all their accomplishments.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Dorrie, are two daughters, Brooke (Scott) Fravel of Mill Hall and Becky Terry of North Carolina, along with a grandson, Gardner Fravel, and a granddaughter, Miller Fravel.
Steve was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Paul Terry, who passed on May 12, 2025, in North Carolina.
Steve loved life, and if ever asked how he was doing, he would answer, “Finer than Frog’s Hair”
A celebration of life for Steven D. Gardner and Paul Terry will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Son’s of Italy, 1 North Henderson Street, Lock Haven on the patio. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made by visiting: Huntingforthecure.org
Arrangements are under the direction of the Gedon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC 121 W. Main Street, Lock Haven, PA.
Online thoughts and memories can be made at the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook page or www.GedonFuneralHomes.com