Garrett Haskell Gardner

Garrett (“Gary”) Haskell Gardner, 82, Greenwood, MO, passed away April 26, 2025. Please join his family for a funeral mass and celebration of life at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church (Lee’s Summit, MO) on May 19, 2025 at 10am.

Gary was born in Washington, D.C. on September 21, 1942. He spent his boyhood there, while residing in Cheverly, MD. Upon finishing his studies at Archbishop Carroll High School, Gary spent a year in the Merchant Marine Academy before enlisting in the United States Navy. He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and deployed on the USS Tidewater in 1963, where he served in the personnel office during a tour of the mediterranean.

When he returned, he found his way to the Cincinnati area to attend Xavier University. He graduated in 1967 and was a proud alum his entire life. It was in Ohio that he met his one true love, Joan Marie Polovick. They were married for over 58 years and were blessed with four children and seven grandchildren.

Though he had many jobs in his early career, Gary’s passion was realized when he started his own business - Full Voice. He was ecstatic to teach everyone that “you can sound like you know what you’re saying.” He continued this for over thirty years, up until his body wouldn’t let him.

Outside of his work, Gary was well known in every circle for his love of music. A talented musician and singer, he performed in numerous bands throughout his life. Over the past decade, however, he was a solo act at senior living facilities around the KC Metro, where he reveled in his fans calling him a “heartthrob.” He was also a regular cantor at parishes around Lee’s Summit, most frequently at St. Margaret of Scotland. In addition to his more formal gigs, he happily performed at every family birthday, holiday, or celebration. His family knew that no matter what the gathering was, Gary would be there with his guitar.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Elvin Leroy and Rosemary Gardner (nee Rohling); and brothers-in-law, Joe, Lou, and Steve Polovick. He is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Amy Gardner, Beth (Shawn) Burton, Lyn Salamone, Chad (Sara) Gardner; grandchildren, Lexie (Nathan), Hannah, Alli, and Faith Salamone, Bela and Chad Gardner, and Caroline Burton; brother-in-law, Greg Polovick; sisters-in-law, Chrissy (Steve) Haida, Betty Polovick, and Kathy Polovick; cousin, Kathy Harrell; and numerous nieces and nephews.