Richard C. Gardner, 73, of Tulsa, passed away Friday, August 18, 2017, at his home. He was born Jan. 13, 1944, in Tulsa, son of the late Chester and Veta Gardner. He married Socorro Vasquez on April 23, 1971, in Aurora, CO.
Richard was a lifelong entrepreneur and started his first business selling his father's garden vegetables from his little red wagon. He later started Gardner's Tax Service and Gardner's Used Books. He was proud of building the businesses into some of the largest independently owned businesses of their kind in Oklahoma.
Richard was an avid runner and was preparing to run in his 40th Tulsa Run later this year. He enjoyed traveling and finding out-of-the-way restaurants. He was a great husband, father and brother and will be greatly missed by all.
He is survived by his wife; two sons: David Gardner of Los Angeles and Steve (Christine) Gardner of Normal, Ill.; a daughter, Monica Gardner of Tulsa; a sister, Judy Gardner of Tulsa; a brother, Greg Gardner of Tulsa; four grandchildren, Jeremiah and Isabella Lower of Tulsa and Carolyn and Penelope Gardner of Normal, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.
Richard will lie in state from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at Moore's Southlawn Funeral Home, 9350 E. 51st St., Tulsa. A mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Interment following at Memorial Park Cemetery. Moore's Southlawn (918) 663-2233