Robbin "Butch" Gardner

Robbin “Butch” Gardner, a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and friend, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025, in Springfield, Illinois, at the age of 83. He was a longtime resident of Lancaster, Ohio, where he built his life and a family he cherished.

Robbin was born on July 18, 1942. He was raised in Athens, Ohio, where he grew up with a love for laughter, sports, and song. He was a proud graduate of Athens High School and Ohio University. He married the love of his life, Nancy, in 1969, and they spent 42 wonderful years together. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Lancaster, Ohio, where he enjoyed singing in the Choir. He loved performing with the Lancaster Men’s Chorus, a group he proudly directed for a number of years. Robbin’s passion for music extended to barbershop quartet, where he performed with the Barbertoons and, more recently, the Hilltop Quarter. Performing brought him tremendous joy and connected him with wonderful friends and unforgettable moments.

Golf was one of Robbin’s greatest joys. He felt at home out on the golf course, where he enjoyed great success throughout his life, including numerous club championships. In recent years, Pumpkin Vine Golf Course had been his home away from home. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching and cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Cleveland Browns – proof that loyalty sometimes means heartache, but always passion.

Whether harmonizing with friends or making others laugh between songs or rounds of golf, Robbin will be remembered for filling every room with warmth and humor. He never met a stranger and greeted everyone who asked how he was with his signature line, “Never had a bad day.”

Robbin is survived by his children, Rachael (Sharon) Gardner Purdy and Greg (Elizabeth) Gardner; grandchildren, Evan and Robyn Gardner; twin sister, Bunny Mateosian; brother-in-law, Randy Murray, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robbin and Wilma; his loving wife, Nancy (Azbell) Gardner; his sister, Lynn Murray, and his brother-in-law, Ned Mateosian.

Per Robbin’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service for Robbin will be on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at noon, at First United Methodist Church, 163 E. Wheeling Street, Lancaster, Ohio. Friends and family may visit on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 4-6 pm at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home Chapel and again on Thursday, from 10-12 at the church. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Greenlawn Cemetery in Nelsonville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Meals on Wheels, 1515 Cedar Hill Road, Lancaster, OH 43130, or American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) https://www.apdaparkinson.org/

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