Donald L. Gardner, 94, of Lone Pine passed away peacefully in his sleep, Monday October 27, 2025 in Standish's Personal Care Home.  He was born in Washington on November 14, 1930, son of the late S. Margaret Gardner.  He loved growing up in Pancake and attending Lone Pine School.  Don was a 1949 graduate of Trinity High School.  He served in the United States Marines during the Korean War.   He was the oldest living retiree from Washington Steel, where he worked for over 30 years as a mechanic.  He was previously employed by BH Swaney in West Virgina and RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. Don had many passions in life, one being his family farm and the love he had for farming, black angus cattle, and John Deere Tractors.   He was a Glyde-Ag 4-H leader for 25 years, a founder and past president of the Washington County Cattleman's. He served as President of the Washington County Sheep and Wool Growers. He was a member of the Washington County  Conservation District for 16 years. He was the founder of Ag days at the mall, and in 2012 won the Washington County Conservation Farmer of the Year Award, which he and his family were very proud of.  He was also a member of Washington American Legion Post 175 and a past President of Lone Pine Baseball.  Don was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan and even bigger Terry Bradshaw fan.  On September 27, 1963, he married Nadene (Jones) Gardner who died January 23, 2014 after sharing over 50 years of marriage, farming, and memories together.  He leaves behind two sons William S. Gardner of Washington, Jeffrey L. and wife Lisa L. Gardner of Washington, three grandsons Scott W. Gardner of Lone Pine, Nicholas D. Gardner of Good Hope, IL, Parker L. Gardner of Washington.  Deceased in addition to his wife and mother is his cousin who grew up with him like a brother, John P. Gardner.  The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and thanks to Don's caregiver, Maryann Montgomery, for the last few years.
Family and friends will be received Thursday from 3:00 -8:00 P.M. in the Nichol Funeral Home 1873 East Maiden Street Washington, where funeral services will be held on Friday October 31, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Interment to follow at Washington Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Pennsylvania Youth Livestock Expo (PAYLE) 749 Flatwoods Rd. Vanderbilt, PA 15486.   An online guestbook may be signed at www.nicholfuneralhome.com