David Leslie Gardner

The world lost a giant among men June 6, 2023.

David Leslie Gardner passed away after what should have been routine surgery, but Dave had worked his body so hard his whole life, this became the last straw.

Dave found his soulmate and was married to Christianne Wendt Gray January 15, 2021.

Dave was an amazing dad to Scott David (Lia Joy), Cristin Lynn (Aaron Michael Aguilar) and Paul James (Katie Marie), as well as Christianne’s children, Shannon, Brianne, Casey (Christi), Whitney (Todd), Tess (Dustin), Caitlin (Curtis) and Hannah (Zak). Being a grandpa brought him great joy, he had 21 grandchildren who loved him dearly.

David Leslie Gardner was born September 24, 1957, in Mesa, Arizona, the seventh child of James Elden and Ellen Christin Gardner. He attended Westwood High School where he played football and served as student body president. He returned to Westwood as a Theatre Arts Teacher (1988-2001), then Mountain View High School (2001-2013). He retired after 25 years of teaching. He put on “some of the best productions” (acting as well as scenery) many had ever seen. Dave didn’t know how to ONLY give 100% to anything he did.

In 2016 Dave re-invented himself, working in sales for Texas Capitol Semiconductor; a company that sells and services equipment for semiconductor clean rooms. It was his innate ability to be a listener, and serve others, that helped him be very successful there as well.

Dave loved deeply – his family, his friends, teaching, singing, building, cooking, baking (cinnamon rolls), swimming – to list a few. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was the foundation of Dave’s life, a life well-lived. He will be missed greatly.

You will be able to watch the funeral service at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKc_wT_U0NM

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.