Dewayne W. Gardner

With whom we will forever love and miss ……Dewayne Gardner

Dewayne Wesley Gardner passed peacefully on December 15, 2018 at the age 75 with his sons Ian, Lemuel and Omar Gardner as well as William Johnson and Melissa Janssen by his side.  Dewayne Gardner was born on September 5, 1943 in Wichita, KS to John D. Gardner and Ruth Moreland, who have both preceded him in death.  He is also preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence Gardner.  

He grew up in Portland, OR graduating from Jefferson High School and later graduated from Portland State University with a BS in Justice Administration.  Throughout his childhood, he played sports including baseball and wrestling.  Upon graduating from high school, he signed up for the US Navy with his best friend, William Johnson, where he served as a Radioman 3/C until February 1965 on the USS Richard S Edwards DD-950.  He was hired by the Multnomah County Sheriff as a Corrections Deputy on April 11, 1978 where he worked at Rocky Butte Jail from 1978 until November 1983 when Multnomah County Detention Center opened (Justice Center).  He worked at Multnomah County Courthouse, Multnomah County Correctional Facility (Farm) and Multnomah County in Iverness Jail his last assignment prior to his retirement on July 1. 2003. Dewayne was very knowledgeable of the operations of all the facilities he was assigned to and performed his duties as a committed and professional employee.  Upon his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, watching football, playing dominos and telling one of his many stories.  He loved traveling to his Navy reunions with his life-long friend, Ernie Carter or other destinations such as Las Vegas or Canada. Dewayne was a proud US Navy man who was an active member of the NABVETS organization.  

Dewayne is survived by his sister, Wilma Gardner Watson, his children, Ian and his wife Detriana, Lemuel and Omar Gardner and Tiwana Williams.  He had six grandchildren, Nakeisha, Nassiah, Aaron, Malachi, Victoria and Kendall and great grand-daughter, Mia.  

A public viewing will be held from 4 – 7 PM on Monday, January 7, 2019 at Terry Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church followed by graveside services at Willamette National Cemetery.   If you would like to make a donation in Dewayne’s name, the family asks that you donate to the NABVETS organization.

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