John Edward Gardner

John Edward Gardner, 75, of Sugar Creek Pike in Nicholasville, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Born in Lexington on October 18, 1949, he was the son of the late James McGibbons Gardner and Dorothea Leuna Miller Gardner.

Known to many simply as a legend, John lived life with grit, laughter, and a taste for good times. He had a magnetic personality—larger than life, sharp-witted, and never afraid to speak his mind. Whether you knew him from the Army, around town, from across a pool table or as a fellow gun enthusiast, John made a lasting impression. He was a lifelong military man, retiring with pride as First Sergeant in the Kentucky National Guard, but he was just as proud of the stories, memories, and laughs he shared with friends and family along the way.

John is survived by his children: Ryan “Josh” Edward Gardner, Crystal Dawn Agee (Barret), and Callie Lynn Valle (Gerardo); his sister, Betty Johns; and his grandchildren: Garrett Ryan Stocker, Lauren Ashley Stocker, Cruz Valle, Lily Valle, and Ezra Valle. He also leaves behind a wide circle of friends who will never forget the good times they had in his company.

He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Charles “Sunny” Johns, and his nephew, Daniel Johns.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Betts & West Funeral Home, with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM, officiated by Bro. Bill Bales. John will receive full military honors as he is laid to rest at Camp Nelson National Cemetery—a fitting farewell for a man who served his country with pride and lived life on his own terms.

Pallbearers will be Ryan “Josh” Gardner, Garrett Stocker, Zack Johnson, Gerardo Valle, Barret Agee, and Hunter Johns. Honorary pallbearers include Jim Vannoy, Hershel Morris, Roger Stone, Mike Child, Larry Taylor, Bill Gardner, Vernon Shuler, and Joe Wilder.

Betts & West is honored to serve John and his family in their time of need. An online guestbook is available at www.BettsandWestFuneralHome.com