Carlise Boykin Gardner passed away on August 24, 2012. She was born on November 9, 1920, in Russell, Texas, the first born and oldest daughter of Travis and Blanche Boykin. Because her father didn’t make it to the county seat right away her birth was recorded as November 10, 1920, causing some consternation later in life with the Social Security Administration.

She grew up during the depression in a small Texas town called Buffalo. While she was in high school she worked as a reporter for the local newspaper. She learned to drive a stick shift, although “reverse” was never her forte. Many evenings she walked home and her father walked to town to retrieve the car.

On January 30, 1948, she married the love of her life, Dudley D. Gardner at Lovers Lane Methodist Church in Dallas. She met him on a blind date and it was love at first sight. This union was blessed with three children Gail, Danny, and Scott.

Carlise was a military wife, serving along side her husband shortly after WWII and during the cold war. She provided a home for her husband and children no matter where they were stationed. She was independent and courageous. She raised three children to cherish family and model integrity in all things.

Carlise is survived by Dudley Gardner, her husband of 64 years; three children, Gail and husband Barry, Danny and wife Faye, and Scott and wife Pascale. She also leaves behind three sisters, Marnette Ottobrey, Leslie Vilas, and Sally Wright; three grandchildren, Sarah Caldwell, Jason Gardner, and Jenny Daughtry; and two great- granddaughters, Faye and Charlotte Daughtry.

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 29 at 10:00 am at Weed-Corley-Fish at 2620 South Congress Avenue. A Graveside Service will follow at 1:45 pm at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.

Our mother loved children. Those wishing to honor her passing may consider a donation in her name to Dell Children’s Hospital.