Leander Vernon Gardner "Butch" "Toot"

Leander Vernon (Butch, Toot) Gardner born September 5, 1950, died December 8, 2021. Father George Gardner, mother Anna J. Bennett. Preceded before him his brother Gary (Skip) Anderson and sister, Sandra Gardner Morris.

Survived by his sisters Claudette Carr, Carol Stallings, Sonya Brown and one brother, Anthony Brown.

Butch was educated in Wilmington Schools. He liked carpentry the best. He was a handy man and he was taught his trade by a neighbor, Mr. Griffin, who taught Butch roofing, plaster, painting, etc.

He was in the Jobs Corp from 1966 to 1967, located in the mountains of North Carolina and Texas. In both places he was being trained in Forest Fires. He truly had a green thumb and planted most of my (his older sisters) plants. He also was a good cook making his niece Dawn the best fried potatoes in the land.

Butch was his own man, truly, and loved his family. His favorite holiday was Xmas. He was the Santa Claus. He would go from house to house putting toys together and would be there all night if need be just to make sure his nieces and nephews toys were ready when they awaken. He was the best babysitter when his sisters needed him to watch them kids.

He will be missed by his sisters; Claudette Carr, Carol Stallings and Sonya Brown. His nieces; Dawn Daniels(Carl), Aprile Gardner(who Butch named), Toni Gardner, Nyree Anderson, Kim Hamilton and Donielle Smith(James). Nephews; Kevin Carr(Laura), and David Gardner. His Bright Eyes (Aigner Gardner), MoeMoe(Laura Ames, Duck (Arthur Ames) and Tazmanian Devil (Bernadette Matthews-Lewis) will miss him as well. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Two close friends Arnold Chambers and Theresa Thomas.

Brother, I will miss our phone calls, you stopping by and eating leftovers looking at football games.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday December 21, 2021 at 11 am at Mother UAME Church, 701 E. 5th Street, Wilm., DE 19801. All attedees must wear masks.