Harold B. Gardner, 83, of Warrensburg, Missouri passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at his home.

Harold Blaine Gardner was born July 17, 1943, in Bosworth, Missouri, the son of Harold B. Gardner and Clara J. (Potter) Gardner. He graduated from high school in Bosworth. He proudly served in the U.S. Army for three years, spending one year in the Vietnam War, and afterward graduated from CMSU in Warrensburg with a BS in Business Administration. Harold was united in marriage to Nancy J. Payson on June 6, 1971, in Carrollton, Missouri, and the couple made their home in Warrensburg.

Over the years, Harold worked in sales or retail management.  He sold advertising for The Daily Star Journal, and real estate for Delozier Realty and Fireside Realty.  He worked as a buyer for Mattingly's Department Stores in Lexington, and in retail management at Warrensburg's Walmart, Sam's Department Store in Clinton and Revco Drug in Warrensburg. Harold and Nancy later went on to own and operate local businesses for 38 years: two S&G Pawn Shop locations in Warrensburg and Clinton and Pet Lovers' Lane in Warrensburg. From 1994 to 2026, Harold worked at Westlake ACE Hardware in Lee's Summit as the Service Department Manager.

Outside of work and family, Harold enjoyed gardening, especially tending his tomatoes, and caring for his seven horses.

Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-five years, Nancy; son: David Gardner (Lisa) of Elberta, Alabama; daughter: Kimberly Boutwell (Rex) of Yukon, Oklahoma; brother: Robert "Bobby" Gardner of Blue Springs, Missouri; sister: Esther Fern Minnis of Independence, Missouri and two grandchildren: Madelyn Gardner and Sofia Gardner and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his half-brother, Richard "Dick" Pennington; brother-in-law, Dale Minnis and sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Gardner.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2026, at Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburg with Pastor Tim Whitmore officiating. The family will receive friends starting at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Warrensburg. Military honors are provided by the American Legion Post #131 and United States Army Honor Guard.

Donations may be made to West Central Missouri Veterans Assistance League or the Johnson County Cancer Foundation.