Survivors include his daughters, Brenda Gardner Lipton and Bonnie Gardner Ellis and husband Robert of Monticello; three grandchildren, Beth Ellis of Glenford, Ohio, Chad Gardner and wife Brooke of Benton, AR and Rob Ellis of Monticello; four great grandchildren, Deryk, Morgan, Reagen, and Reid. He is also survived by Donna's children, Kim Laney of Little Rock and Erik Wallace of Hong Kong; his daughters in law, Donna Menotti Gardner and Sheila Hall Gardner of Monticello; and Donna's son, Jay Holthoff of Bryant.
PQ was an aerial gunner/radio operator in the Army Air Corps in World War II and then spent several years in the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. For years he worked in school systems in Southeast Arkansas in different positions beginning as a teacher and finally becoming superintendent of schools at Drew Central Schools in Monticello, AR, his alma mater.
During his career, PQ owned and operated a number of businesses in Southeast Arkansas including cable systems in Monticello and Warren, which he built, and four radio stations including KGPQ (which carries the initials of his name). He also owned an insurance agency, motels, and video stores. His real estate business, Gardner Realty, closed after more than fifty years in business when PQ joined Ray Ryburn Real Estate as principal broker in 2011.
He was active in many groups and organizations over the years. Included in this long list are Drew Memorial Hospital Board, Drew County Election Commission, Arkansas Real Estate Commission, Monticello City Council, and Drew County Quorum Court. Currently, he continued to be active in the VFW, American Legion, Methodist Men's Coffee Club, Lions Club, South Arkansas Realtors, Eastern Star, Monticello Senior Citizens, and Monticello's First Baptist Church.
He received many honors and awards in his 91 years; some of the most recent were his selection to Drew Central Schools Hall of Fame in 2007; 2010 Man of the Year by the Monticello-Drew County Chamber of Commerce/MEDC; and UAM's Continuing the Connection award on 2011.
Visitation will be Friday evening September 18, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with burial in Oakland Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be made to Hope Place, 103 North Main, Monticello, AR; First Baptist Church, 413 North Main, Monticello, AR 71655 or Arkansas Baptist Children's Home, P O Box 427, Monticello, AR 71657. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(32)
Shanon jo
Arkadelphia, AR Monday, October 26, 2015 I am very proud of Uncle PQ. He always made me special!Shanon Jo Gardner
Classie Jones Green
Pine Bluff, AR Sunday, October 25, 2015 I enjoyed knowing Mr P Q he was humble and a great business Icon. His life and knowledge blessed many. .FAMILY be ENCOURAGED..vernie thurman
MONTICELLO, AR Sunday, October 11, 2015 a very good man and soldier.PHYLLIS BRANNON FLORY
Salina, KS Monday, September 21, 2015 A wonderful man and a great citizen. May he rest in peace.Sarah Cockrell Martin
Monticello, AR Monday, September 21, 2015 To all the family, Brenda and Bonnie, I know the void you must feel because of the loss of this great man. He was truly a trailblazer in Monticello and did so much for Monticello back in its heyday of success. He always had a smile on his face. I appreciated him bringing me a calendar every year and was fortunate to see him. You girls were so good to him and I am sure his wishes were to die at home.It was a great pleasure to know this great man.My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you in the days to come.Jimmy & Donna Hill
Monticello, AR Friday, September 18, 2015 Family - We have each of you in our thoughts & prayers. Mr. P. Q. has been an important person in our lives & our children's lives. He loved his country, his community, his family, his friends, & his church. Talking to him for just moments & you would immediately know this about him. We are here for each of you if there is anything we can do.Love,
Jimmy & Donna
John &Paige Stell
Monticell, AR Friday, September 18, 2015 You are all in our thoughts & prayers. Mr. P. Q. has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Always a kind word & a hug. To know him was to love him. He will be missed by many. Cherish your memories.Love, John, Paige, Brad, Jake, Jared, Jayson, Colt, & Brayden
Tina McClain
Monticello, AR Friday, September 18, 2015 To the family of Mr. P.Q.,Mr. P.Q. was a wonderful man and a great inspiration to me. He had such a caring heart. He always greeted me with a hug and a smile and I will never forget all the things he did for me. He was truly a blessing in my life and his kindness and guidance will always be remembered. I am praying God will give you peace and comfort as you grieve the loss of your precious loved one.
Sharon Shook McIntyre
Titusville, FL Friday, September 18, 2015 Dear Bonnie, Brenda & extended families,My thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this very sad time.
In Christian Love,
Sharon Shook McIntyre
Billy George & Jean West
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 17, 2015 We are saddened for you the family due to the passing of Mr. P.Q. but we know that Heaven is blessed with his presence there. May the Grace of God be with you not only during this present time but in those days and weeks out into the future. May God Give you His double portion of Grace during this trying time is our sincere prayer.Beth Ellis
Glenford, OH Thursday, September 17, 2015 My grandfather was truly an amazing man. He accomplished so much in his lifetime. He was the example of an honest and hardworking business man. He had such a kind sweet spirit and his smile would light up any room. He was so involved with his community and loved his country. I will miss hearing his voice on the phone and hear him saying at the end of our conversation, "Take care and I love you baby". You always ended your letters and cards with Have a Great Life! Well, you had a great life and one to be proud of. I am honored to call you my Popa! I love youSherry Dickerson
Arkadelphia, AR Thursday, September 17, 2015 Our prayers go out to the Family!! Praying God will give you all strength.Andy & Terrie Briant
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 17, 2015 Deepest condolences to the family We always enjoyed visiting with him. He was a very nice man. RIP Mr PQFaye Lewis
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 17, 2015 Mr. PQ was so well known and well loved by all. He was so faithful to church and I will miss seeing him sitting with Bonnie. Always a smile and a kind word for everyone. Faye and RandyJim Glennon
Possum Valley, AR Thursday, September 17, 2015 From his time at Drew Central, I have thought highly of Mr. PQ. He did a lot of good for a lot of people. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with his family in this time of loss.Janice Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, September 17, 2015 P. Q. was such a kind and caring man, one of my former teachers, a great administrator and businessman whom all respected. He truly loved his family so dearly. We know he is now at peace with our God. You must cherish all the wonderful memories and hold them in your heart. May God give you comfort and peace in your sorrow.With love & sympathy,
Janice Gladden Wiggam
NAN CARTER
MONTICELLO, AR Thursday, September 17, 2015 PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY OF MR. P.Q.! HE WAS A GREAT INSPIRATION TO ALL WHO KNEW HIM. BUT NOW HIS RACE IS OVER AND HE HAS WON.. REST IN PEACE, MR. P.Q.!Bob & Teresa Stark
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 17, 2015 Gardner Family,Mr. P.Q. was a dear friend and his smiling face will certainly be missed. We always enjoyed seeing him at church and he never failed to share a friendly greeting. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Mary Ann Thomas
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 16, 2015 He will be missed, He was a nice man.Renee Binns
Monticello, TN Wednesday, September 16, 2015 It was a pleasure to have known Mr. P. Q.! He was a very kind man. Heaven is in for a real treat!J D Pierce
Batesville, AR Wednesday, September 16, 2015 We are sure going to miss our dear friend P Q we have been friends since the early cable days. We made a lot of great memories and really enjoyed his family too. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.J D & Ionice Pierce
janice taylor
little rock, AR Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Always a great friend to Fred and me. He said in his Christmas card last December that it would be his last. He always said, "have a great life."Nadine
Warren, AR Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Brenda & Bonnie, I am so sorry for your loss. Our loss is Heavens gain. He was a very special person. He always had a smile for everyone. I will miss him as I have grown to love and appreciate him. You are in my thoughs and prayers.Jeff Young
Wilmar, AR Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Mr. PQ was always nice to me. One of the last veterans from a great era. Rest In Peace Mr. Gardner.PAUL& MARY MCHAN
Columbia, TN Tuesday, September 15, 2015 BRENDA & BONNIE, SENDING OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS TO YOU. P.Q. WAS A WELL THOUGHT OF MAN, HE WILL BE MISSED . GOD BLESS AND COMFORT YOU AQLLJames Lasiter
Barkada (Wilmar), AR Tuesday, September 15, 2015 My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. P.Q. All the years I was on the Quorum Court he was always there and always interested. He was always so kind and friendly to me and we developed a great friendship. I know he will be missed by so many. He was a wonderful person. Please look to the Lord for your comfort, strength and peace at this time of great loss.James Lasiter
mark@Mary withers
monticello, AR Tuesday, September 15, 2015 We are sorry for your loss .y'all are in our prayers!W. Stinson Chapman
Monticello, AR Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Dear Brenda and Bonnie, So sorry to hear of you dad's passing. He will be sorely missed. You are in my prayers.mark@Mary withers
Monticello, AR Tuesday, September 15, 2015 He will be missed!Kenny and Bobbie Wiscaver
Monticello, AR Tuesday, September 15, 2015 Brenda and Bonnie, we share in the sorrow of your Dad's passing. He was an exceptional man respected and loved by many. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.Pat Savage Montgomery
Monticello, AR Tuesday, September 15, 2015 My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr. PQ always made it a point to come by my office and visit. He was a sweet sweet man.Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Tuesday, September 15, 2015 I have known Mr. P.Q. all my life. He was always kind to me. He was a Monticello icon and great businessman. He and my mom were classmates at Drew Central. My sympathy is extended to his loved ones. May you find peace and comfort.