of Fayetteville, AR
July 10, 1956 - June 1, 2021
Kenneth E. Gardner, MD, son of the late Harold E. and Mildred M. Gardner of Benton, died June 1, 2021, after two weeks in CCU. He suffered a heart attack while driving home from the gym. He was 64. He was an organ donor.
He leaves behind his wife of exactly 42 years Susan L. (Caple) Gardner, and a daughter Laura Caroline Gardner (fiance Andrew Micciche) all of Fayettevillle, a sister Teresa K. Wood (Bob) of North Little Rock and a brother Philip L. Gardner (Karen) of Benton, nephew Scott G. Wood (Melanie), nieces Jenny Penney (Jason) and Karen Bowers (Matthew), along with great-nieces and great-nephews Hayden, Hunter Penney, Laiken, Luke, Landry Bowers and an extended family of Gardner cousins.
Dr. Gardner attended Benton High School, was very active in sports, excelled at track and held many state records in the 440 and 440 relay while also running the 100 yd dash, hurdles and the 880 relay. He is remembered fondly by his teammates' nickname SuperKen when at one meet he scored more points than the entire Bauxite track team.
A lifelong Razorback fan, Dr. Gardner attended the University of Arkansas and UALR before entering medical school at UAMS in 1978. He graduated in 1982. He practiced medicine for 38 years.
Dr. Gardner did his general residency at St. Vincent's Infirmary in Little Rock. Following completing general residency he began a Radiation Oncology residency at the University Of Florida, Gainesville FL. After completing his residency he practiced at NARTI in NWA, CARTI, followed by practices in Sarasota Florida, then helped design St. Edward Mercy's Hembree Cancer Center in Ft. Smith, practicing there for several years. His father became ill with lung cancer in Benton and he relocated to UAMS WINTHROP Rockefeller Cancer Institute to be closer to his family. There he specialized in breast, prostate, head and neck tumors and was one of the first in the state to be specially trained to perform the Gamma knife procedure. He then started his second new clinic at Landmark Cancer Center in Rogers, then went to Ocala Florida, followed by a return to St Edward Mercy Hembree Cancer Center. He was employed there at the time of his death. He leaves behind staff, colleagues, patients and friends at every place he ever worked who love him. He was an avid Large Mouth Bass freshwater fisherman and tarpon, snook, redfish and trout fisherman in saltwater. He liked to sing Elvis songs in the OR and played the guitar, learning from his Dad at a very young age.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Road, Benton, AR. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 p.m.
At the family's request, you are asked to wear a mask for attendance.
Donations may be made to the University of Florida Residency Program, Hembree Cancer Center St. Edward Mercy Ft. Smith, the Benton Athletic Memorial Museum, or a charity of your choice.
Sign Guestbook
45 Condolence(s)
Dinah C Kaman
Monday, April 11, 2022
I just now saw where Dr. Gardener passed away, I could not have made it through my cancer without him, he was the most caring doctor I had ever met , he went above and beyond to help me...he will be missed
Kelly Lopeman
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
I am so sad to hear of Dr Gardner's passing. I was a patient of his. He knew of my love of horses and shared a photo of his daughter with her horse. He spoke fondly of his daughter and her love of horses
Bless the family and I am sorry for your loss.
Lars Willadsen
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
I just heard of Dr. Gardner's passing. I was a patient of his for many years, and he helped me in many ways, not just with my immediate illness, but arranged for me to see non-oncology specialists but also for other family members as needed. We will miss him
Holly Green Magness
Friday, September 10, 2021
I was so saddened to hear of Dr. Gardners passing. He was my Doctor at UAMS when I had breast cancer. I loved seeing him on Tuesdays. After finding out
I was from Benton, and who my relatves were. We had many connections. My grandfather and his father were friends. He told me about visiting my grandparents cabin in Hot Springs. He also knew quite a few of my cousins as well. He always made me laugh during my difficult time. I am sure he will be greatly missed by all who met him. He was a great doctor and person My deepest sympathy to his entire family and friends.
Holly Green Magness
kwas from Benton and who my elativeswere, he became my friend. We
found out we had many connections. His father and my grandfather were close friends.
Shannon Hubbard
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
He was such a wonderful doctor, he had an amazing way with his patients he was very personable. My heart is heavy today with this news. I will keep his family in my prayers.
Patti Fulcher
Sunday, July 4, 2021
Dear Teresa,
Ronald and I are so sorry to hear the sad news about your brother Ken. He meant so much to so many of his friends, patients and co-workers.
May Jesus comfort you and all of his family
at this time. He will be missed by so many.
Love,
Patti Ray Fulcher
DEBORAH DAWSON
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Dr. Gardner was so sweet and so professional all at the same time. He gave my husband , Larry relief from a painful tumor and assured us that it would not return. He took time to explain and answer all of our questions. He gave us hope. So sorry to learn of his passing.
Ken & Georgia Bouxsein
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to his loved ones
Becky Suttles
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
I ‘graduated’ from radiology in March. Dr. Gardner always made me feel so comfortable and helped me through one of the scariest moments in my life. He was always smiling, joking, and so uplifting. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers for all who knew and loved him!
David Neal
Saturday, June 19, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. It was a pleasure knowing Ken
Heather M. Hays
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Dr. Gardner was such a wonderful man. He was involved in my radiation treatments for breast cancer at the Hembree Center. He was recovering himself from emergency gall bladder or appendix surgery, from what I remember. It was in the spring of 2019. Dr. Gardner was confident and reassuring throughout my care. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
Terry and Carol
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
My husband and I were heartbroken to hear of Dr Gardner's passing. We were both diagnosed with cancer last year and Dr Gardner treated us with expertise and compassion like no other. God Bless You, Dr Gardner. You will be very much missed by us all.
Debby Simmons
Monday, June 14, 2021
I was recently a patient of Dr. Gardner. He had been recommended to me. The oncologist said " He was the Best" .After many weeks of radiation I couldn't agree more. He was absolutely the best . So kind and compassionate. I will be forever in his debt.
Zubin Balsara
Sunday, June 13, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Ken was a wonderful person, a great physician, and just fun to be around. He is missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
James Clark
Sunday, June 13, 2021
I am so thankful to be truly able to call KG a dear friend !
Barb Benson
Saturday, June 12, 2021
My condolences to the family of Dr Gardner. I worked with him in Ocala. He was a great guy and caring Physician.
Vicki Horne
Saturday, June 12, 2021
He was such a great doctor. I am so thankful that he was able to help my mom every time that cancer showed it’s ugly face. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers for the family, friends, loved ones, and co-workers of this wonderful man. May God be with you through this time, and know that you will see this awesome man again in Heaven, because that is exactly where he will be helping to watch over all of you. Very appreciative of Dr. Gardner and what he meant to our family.
Jo Ann Bowers
Friday, June 11, 2021
Prays for your family! Love Jo Ann!
Steve Bryant
Friday, June 11, 2021
As a childhood neighbor, I remember Ken sitting & singing “Sittin on the Dock of the Bay†as he played the guitar. Probably his early high school days. He was a cool kid to look up to. He also threw/ delivered our Benton courier.
Tom & Kyle Spicer
Friday, June 11, 2021
So sorry to hear of Ken's passing. Thoughts, prayers and God's healing for Susan, Laura, and family.
Don & Sharon Gambuzza
Friday, June 11, 2021
We are saddened by KG’s passing. He was a remarkable man in so many ways. He was a warm, kind, caring soul who was always ready, willing, and able to help you…whether it was related to fishing, telling jokes to make you laugh, telling stories that captivated you or, most of all, giving medical guidance to you to help you through your cancer journey. He was a true healer in more ways than one and will be missed by so many, especially by us. KG has now found peace with the Lord and our prayers go out to you, Susan, Laura and the whole family for comfort and peace. He will always be with you within your heart.
Mike Moro
Friday, June 11, 2021
Dr. Gardner was one of my all time favorite patients and colleagues as a pharmacist. Every time he came to the pharmacy he would share a story, a joke, or just a smile. I will miss Dr. Gardener both personally and professionally and wish my deepest condolences to his family and all of his patients, friends, and co-workers who I am sure feel the same.
Harold Robbins
Friday, June 11, 2021
I am cancer free today because of him. He was a very good doctor.
Saundra Williams
Friday, June 11, 2021
I am so very sorry for your loss. My father, Robert, is a current patient. The first time we met Dr. Gardner we liked him a lot, he just put us at ease even though a cancer diagnosis is so scary. Such a pleasant doctor and I can imagine that he has touched countless lives and changed as many with his professionalism, his skills, and the way he cared about them. Prayers for his family and friends.
Cherie Fannon
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Dr. Gardner was so special to so many people. He made his coworkers feel valued & appreciated and treated each & every patient feel as though they were his only priority. I’ll always remember him for starting his day by walking the clinic to say Good Morning to every coworker. Sincere sympathies to Susan & Laura, he loved you both so much & talked highly about you to his work family.
Erma Bridges
Thursday, June 10, 2021
So sorry to read of Kenneth death. He grew up in the Jamison addition in Benton with my children and always a happy kid playing in our neighborhood. Prayers for his family
Erma Bridges
Thursday, June 10, 2021
So sorry to read of Kenneth death. He grew up in the Jamison addition in Benton with my children and always a happy kid playing in our neighborhood. Prayers for his family
Amy S Holmes
Thursday, June 10, 2021
I was very saddened to hear of Ken's death. He was such a nice guy. I have many fond memories of him as a fellow Radiation Oncology resident at the University of Florida. He will be missed by all who knew him.
ARNELL TAYLOR
Thursday, June 10, 2021
My heart is saddened to hear of Dr. Ken's passing. My prayers and sympathy to your family.ðŸ™ðŸ¾
Dr. Sara G. Hardin
Thursday, June 10, 2021
I am very sorry for your loss. .My prayers are for your peace and God’s love for you and your family.
Becky Harkey
Thursday, June 10, 2021
KG was a force. He was kind and caring, a perfectionist at work, who demanded perfection from his staff.
He was a patient teacher, but always had time to tell a story or sing a song.
He loved food, especially the kind with sugar in it, or icing on top of it. He made everyone feel like a member of his family, and then treated them as if they were.
I truly loved working with him.
He is missed.
Julie & Burt Gardner
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Dear Teresa & family, we were so saddened to hear of the loss of your brother. He sounds like an extraordinary individual who definitely made a positive impact wherever he went. Sending hugs and prayers.
Charles R Neal
Thursday, June 10, 2021
I am saddened to hear of Ken's death and send sincerest condolences. He was always a breath of fresh air and enthusiasm whenever our paths crossed. I shall truly miss seeing him at conferences and UF functions.
Brendan C Stack, Jr.
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Ken was an excellent doctor who was loved by his patients. He was an integral part of the head and neck cancer team at UAMS for many years. He was a great colleague and an excellent sounding board for clinical and administrative challenges. He will be missed.
Gail Fisher
Thursday, June 10, 2021
So sorry to hear about Dr. Gardner’s passing .
I worked with him this last time when he returned to FS Rad Onc.
Such a smart man who cared about his patients.
He will be missed!
Renee Parker Dickins
Thursday, June 10, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I remember him running track in high school and loved following his fishing adventures on Facebook. I know he will be missed by many. Sending prayers for all of you.
Amanda Kraus
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Radiation Oncology in OKC is thinking about Dr. Gardner and praying for his family and Ft. Smith Radiation Oncology family. He touched so many lives and will be missed dearly.
Nancy Leopard
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Teresa, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Please know I’m thinking of you at this time.
Janet (Albertson) Nimrod
Thursday, June 10, 2021
We are all sending condolences at this time and our hearts are with you. May God comfort you all as you remember the good times shared with Ken. He was an amazing man, dear Susan, and we are happy you and Laura had so much time with him.
Janet (Albertson) Nimrod
Thursday, June 10, 2021
We are all sending condolences at this time and our hearts are with you. May God comfort you all as you remember the good times shared with Ken. He was an amazing man, dear Susan, and we are happy you and Laura had so much time with him.
Sarah Bunch
Thursday, June 10, 2021
My deepest condolences to Ken’s wife and family. You are in my thoughts.
Pam Taylor
Thursday, June 10, 2021
I worked with Doc for many years and always enjoyed my time with him. We loved the Razorbacks and would talk sports a lot. My condolences and thoughts are with the family and his friends.
Lisa Orton
Thursday, June 10, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Ken was part of our neighborhood family. My prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Scott and Dawnelle McAlister
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Blessings to the entire Gardner family. Ken made a difference and impact to so many lives. His legacy and memory lives on through his many family, friends and patients. We miss you Ken!
Kent C Westbrook
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Ken was a unique person, a good doctor, and will be missed by many.