Edward Lynn Gardner, 52, of Winona Lake, Ind., passed away at 8:55 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at his residence.

He loved the Lord and was a loving husband and father. He was a compassionate person to the point that one day he picked up a hitchhiker and gave him his new boots and coat.

Edward was a resident of Kosciusko County, Ind., for the past seven years where he was a member of New Life Christian Church and World Outreach of Warsaw, Ind. He had worked in construction for 30 years, and he worked at Precision Grinding and Sharpening in Warsaw, prior to getting ill.

He was born on April 6, 1960, in Shelby, Ohio, to Bruce Nelson Gardner and Shirley May (Posekany) Gardner, who both survive in New Haven, Indiana. On October 5, 2007 he was married to Dienne Miller, who survives in Winona Lake.

Edward also leaves behind three sons: Tyler Kessler, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Trent Kessler, Pierceton, Ind.; Luke Gardner, Winona Lake; daughter: Danielle (Adam) Fox, Warsaw; two grandsons; brother: Duane Gardner, New Haven, Ind.; sister: Elaine (Alan) Louden, New Haven, Ind.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

His visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, March 4, at New Life Christian Church and World Outreach, 744 S. 325 E., Warsaw, Indiana. His funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, at New Life Christian Church and World Outreach of Warsaw and officiated by Pastor John B. Lowe. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw.

Memorial donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society, Northwest Indiana Office, 130 Red Coach Drive, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545 and would be appreciated by his family.