Champion

Stephen M. Gardner,58, of 21761 Co. Rt. # 47, died Wednesday, December 13, 2017 in the emergency room of the Carthage Area Hospital after being stricken at his residence.

Stephen was born on March 30, 1959 in Watertown, the son of the late Lansing and Edith (Luffman) Gardner. He was a 1977 graduate of Carthage Central High School.  He married the former Christina M. Greene on May 8, 1999 at the Second United Methodist Church in Champion. He was employed at Jefferson Concrete for several years before joining the Carpenter's Union in Watertown. He worked various construction projects throughout the Northeast and had several employers including, Purcell Construction, LUNCO and CIANBRO of Maine.

Steve loved seeing his grandchildren and spending family time. He enjoyed camping, classic car shows, was an avid hockey fan and loved the Montreal Canadians and enjoyed playing ice hockey or street hockey.

He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion in Watertown.

He is survived by his wife: Christina M. Gardner of Carthage, a daughter Kayleigh McKeever of Philadelphia and 2 stepchildren Jessica Combs of Fulton and Shawn Combs of Buffalo. He also has two grandchildren; Kaydan Thomas and Malania McKeever; a sister: Carolyn VanBrocklin of Watertown and five brothers: Lansing "Skip" Gardner of Toccoa, GA, Gary Gardner of Sandy Creek, Fran Gardner of Watertown, Ronnie and Randy Gardner, both of Ogdensburg and 35 nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister, Bonnie Lennox.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 17 at the Second United Methodist Church of Champion with Rev. Sung Ah Choi, Pastor officiating. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are with the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, Carthage.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Second United Methodist Church of Champion.

To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.