Calvin Orlando Gardner

Calvin Orlando Gardner was born on July 20, 1937, in Mexico, Missouri to Leon Rummans, and Necell Gardner. Calvin was the second oldest of five brothers, and three sisters. Based on the stories he used to tell his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren his family life growing up with eight siblings was pretty adventurous. His stories of coon and squirrel hunting in that small country town along with his other escapades delighted the whole family for many years.

Calvin attended Sunday school along with his siblings at Saint Paul CME Church in Mexico, Missouri and excepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in the near by creek. He graduated from Garfield High school where he was a member of the marching band and the basketball team. His love for music continued when Calvin joined a local jazz and dance band named the Whisppervills. This allowed him to travel and meet many famous musicians including Fats Domino.

Calvin continued traveling across the United States as a horse groomer where he learned to love working with horses. This continued until he married his first wife, Jacquelyn Morrison, and his son Randy was born. Following the birth and sudden death of his second son Rodney, the couple moved to Cleveland for a fresh start but soon divorced. During this transition he became employed at Beardens drive-in restaurant. It was during this time, he met his second wife Jackie Mobley (yes, another Jackie). He soon became employed by Winton Heat Treating Co.
then later by American Metal Treating Company, where he worked for more than 30 years and retired in 2011.

Calvin joined Cory UMC in 1982, and became active in the United Methodist Men, the Mass Fellowship Choir, the Men's Choir, and The Evangelism Team. Through his affiliation with Cory, he sang with the Martin Luther King Jr Celebration Choir for 20 years until his health began to decline.

When the grandchildren began to arrive, he became a coach for the East Cleveland Pee Wee League. He became active with the Saint Aloysius Catholic school drill team and marched in the Christmas parade. Calvin became a part-time chauffeur for the neighborhood children and drove all the Massie Ave. kids that attended Saint Aloysius. When one car wasn't running, he would ride his bike to work or walk until another car could be purchased. One grandchild, Isaiah joined the Shaw High Marching Band and Grandpa became a member of the Band Boosters Club; he remained active until his late 70's.

Calvin was an awesome husband, dad, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his three sons, Rodney, Calvin Jr, and Toni; four brothers; one sister, and his parents.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Jacqueline Elaine; three children, Randy (Alice), Lori (Tony), and Tamara (Darryl); 27 grandchildren, over 20 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other family, and many friends.

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