Billy J. Gardner

July 18, 1932 - November 9, 2020

GREENFIELD – Billy J. Gardner, age 88, of Greenfield, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2020. He was born in Indianapolis on July 18, 1932 to Frank Gardner and Myrtle (Carlisle) Sumwalt. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was awarded the National Defense Medal. Billy married LaDonna I. (Radcliff) on August 3, 1968 in Shelby County. He worked for the Indiana State Highway Department for 30 years retiring as a supervisor in 1992. After 20 years of service Mr. Gardner retired as an E-6 from the U.S. Navy. Billy liked woodworking, gardening, fishing, and camping. He loved spending time with his family. Billy is survived by his wife, LaDonna Gardner of Greenfield; children, David (Tammy) Colwell of Shelbyville, Rita Perkins of Rushville, Bonnie (Andy) Craig of Shirley, Wanda Colwell of Shirley, and Billy Gardner II of Greenfield; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Candace Cook. A gathering will be held on Friday, November 13, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will take place immediately following the visitation at 6:00 p.m. Military rites will be presented by the Greenfield Veterans Honor Guard. As a reminder, masks are required in public indoor spaces, and please practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, by website at https://www.dav.org/, or envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.