Ronald Lee Poppy Gardiner, Sr.

Ronald Lee “Poppy” Gardiner, Sr. Ronald Lee “Poppy” Gardiner, Sr. was born on October 11, 1945 in Toledo, Ohio. He was one of six children born from the union of the late James and the late Mary (Eisenbrandt) Gardiner. Shortly after moving back to Toledo, Ron married the love of his life, Bonnie Lou Grant on September 13, 1969 at the Sylvania Church of the Nazarene and together the couple raised two children. He supported his family through employment with Pepsi Co, driving truck for thirty-five years taking retirement in 2000. A few years later, Ron decided to go back into the workforce, driving a school bus for Sylvania Schools for seven years. Ronald was always willing to help and selflessly put others needs before his own. He loved to go out to eat, Ron could often be spotted at the Reynolds Café for breakfast and various restaurants for lunch. He was a sports fan; Ron enjoyed watching WWE live and on the television, and cheering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Ohio State. Through the years he spent many hours fishing and attending flea markets where he often found items to add to his Lighthouse collection. Most of all he enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren. Ronald Lee “Poppy” Gardiner, Sr., age 73, of Toledo, passed away Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Regency Hospital in Sylvania, with his loving family at his side. In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded by his bride of forty-seven years: Bonnie; and his brother: Jerry Gardiner. To cherish his memory, Ron leaves his children: Lori (James) Staup and Ronald Gardiner Jr. of Toledo; grandchildren: Courtney (Matthew), Lanee, Hunter, Jacob and Kayla; a great-grandson: Bruce; brothers: Thomas (Mary) Gardiner of Erie and Jeff (Donna) Gardiner of Florida; sisters: Patti Jean Wright of Florida and Peggy Ann Miller of Tennessee; sister-in law: Gladys Faulkner of Monclova; and many nieces and nephews, including a special niece: Sue (Bill) Gardiner. Friends may gather at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Swanton Church of the Nazarene, 315 W. Airport Highway, Swanton, Ohio 43558 where a Celebration of his Life will follow at 11:00 am with Reverend Harold Ratliff officiating. Memorials can be made to Ron's family. Special memories and condolences may be shared with Ron’s family by visiting our website at www.neville-funeral.com