Reginald Dean Gardner, 65, formerly of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Thursday, July 4, 2013 in Washington. He was born in Lebanon, Oregon to Donald and Betty (Such) Gardner.

He graduated from Sweet Home High School in 1965 and served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. He went on to receive his teaching degree from Oregon College of Education in Monmouth.

He was a teacher for special needs from 1973 to 2007. He also coached football, baseball, basketball, and wrestling throughout his teaching career.

Reg is survived by: his wife, Dianna of Washougal, WA; mother, Gerry Gardner of Sweet Home, OR; son, Ryan (Hollie) of Washougal, WA; daughters, Chanda Rodriguez of Clackamas, OR and Brittney (Zach) Elkinton of Milwaukie, OR; brother, Ron Gardner of Corvallis, OR; sisters, Kathryn (Mark) Russell of Salem, OR, and Karolyn Crocker of Redmond, OR; grandchildren, Kyleigh, Hanna, Tristyn, Kamdyn, Sophia, Kaitlyn, and Addisyn; and 12 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Betty.

Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2013 at the Sweet Home Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, please make donations and contributions to Oregon Special Olympics.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.