L. Levier Gardner

July 11, 1916 - May 15, 2014

L. Levier Gardner, age 97, passed away on May 15, 2014, at home in Pleasant Grove, Utah. He was born in Mesa, Arizona, on July 11, 1916, second of eight children of Lucius Levier Gardner Sr. and Winnie Estella LeBaron. Attended Mesa High School, where he lettered in basketball, baseball, and football and was student body president. Served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil; originally taught in German and was later assigned to begin the work in Portuguese and to open many Brazilian cities for the preaching of the gospel. Served as bombardier and second lieutenant in the Air Force during World War II. Married Edith Smith on June 4, 1941, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They had eight sons and one daughter; all eight sons served full-time missions, and all nine children were married in the temple. Worked for Valley National Bank, Western Truck Lines, Standard Oil of California, Standard Oil of Texas, and BYU. Owned and operated the Big 3 Store in Duncan, Arizona, for many years, where he also served as president of the Rotary Club and the school board. Became an Eagle Scout in 1932; all of his sons and many grandsons and great-grandsons followed his example in becoming Eagle Scouts. With family members, hiked the Grand Canyon from rim to rim in one day at age 79. Received Silver Beaver Award in 2007. Served in many Church callings, such as Scoutmaster, stake clerk, bishop, and high councilor. Levier and Edith served together in the Mesa Arizona Temple. After Edith passed away, Levier married Cynthia Anne Mallory Trunnell (mother of six children) on December 23, 1970, in the Salt Lake Temple. After Levier and Cynthia retired from BYU, they served together in the Argentina Córdoba Mission and the Provo Temple. He later served in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. Predeceased by Edith and Cynthia. Survived by 15 children: Levier (Linda), Norman (Margaret), Robert (Janice), Wayne (Teresa), Ronald (Jan), Marvin (Mary), Bruce (Becca), Brent (Kris) Gardner; Donna (Kevin) Ivey; Thom (Gayle), Nancy, Marti, Mark (Michelle), Janet Trunnell; Bari (Barry) Olson; 69 grandchildren; 136 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral: Lakeridge 5th Ward, 80 West 900 South, Orem, Utah, Saturday, May 24, 2014, noon. Viewings: Berg Mortuary, 185 East Center, Provo, Friday, May 23, 6:00–8:00 p.m., and Saturday, May 24, 8:30–9:30 a.m. Graveside service with military honors: Provo City Cemetery, 610 South State Street, Provo, Saturday, May 24, 10:00 a.m. Condolences may be sent online at www.bergmortuary.com.