Mr. Douglas Leon Gardner

January 21, 1954 - April 28, 2020

Douglas Leon Gardner, a loving husband, daddy, grandpa and friend left this earth for his heavenly home way too soon on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Douglas (Doug) was born on January 21, 1954 in Laurel, Mississippi to Claude Douglas and Claudia Bell (Ivey) Gardner and was one of five children. Doug grew up in Elberta, Alabama and was a member of the 1972 graduating class from Foley High School. On August 24, 1973, Doug married the love of his life, Diane Desrochers. They were blessed with three strong sons and two lovely daughters. Diana Burgett, Tommy (Inette) Gardner, Timmy (Donia) Gardner, Antoinette (Brian) Lynch and Daniel Gardner (Krista Gibson). He had eight beloved grandchildren that he skillfully trained as “grandpa’s helpers” in his cabinet shop. Doug was an extremely gifted and well-known cabinet maker in South Alabama and Northwest Florida. In high school he dual enrolled in trade school where he studied carpentry. Doug enjoyed getting up before the crack of dawn every morning. He worked in his cabinet shop until Diane would call him for breakfast then back to work. Around noon and usually the hottest part of the day you may find him taking a catnap to reenergize for the afternoon cabinet work. He loved the outdoors and would have been happy just living off the earth. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and could throw a cast net all day and never tire. He loved gardening and sharing his bounty with friends and family as his “back yard” garden would be enough to supply a small grocery chain. Doug was a gourmet cook and loved to entertain. Many memories were made at Doug and Diane’s home sharing meals and enjoying his favorite beverage, Redds Apple Ale. In keeping with Doug’s giving spirit, it was his decision to give the gift of life through organ donation.