Aug 18, 2013

Clarion Co. CYS director, therapist was outdoorsman

Allen Blaine Gardner, 73, of Indiana, formerly of Hill Station, died Saturday, August 17, 2013, in UPMC-Presbyterian hospital, Pittsburgh.

He was born June 12, 1940, in Hill Station, a son of the late Albert and Alma Valet Gardner.

Mr. Gardner graduated from Cecil High School in 1958. He received his bachelor of arts from Clarion University and was awarded a full scholarship from the University of Pennsylvania for his master’s in social work degree.

For the 45 years that he worked as a licensed clinical social worker, he was employed as a private therapist and worked for mental health, home health and drug and alcohol agencies. He was director of Children and Youth Services in Clarion County. Throughout the years, he continually sought additional education to benefit his clients and was considered an excellent therapist.

Mr. Gardner enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, horseback riding, reading, cooking, gardening and time spent with family.

Surviving are his wife, Jobie Radle Gardner of Indiana; three daughters, Jeanne (Walter) Clark of Penn Run, Gretchen (Richard) Cochran of Knox and Melanie (Wade) Mott-Clingerman of Southview; five grandchildren, Zachary and Kevin Clark, Rebecca and Matthew Cochran and Michael Mott; sister Virginia “Jeanne” Fickes of Holidaysburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are brother Sidney Gardner and two sisters, Alma Brooks and Olive Shaffer.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 20, in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road, Cecil, where services will be held at 8 p.m. with Pastor Jim O’Brien officiating.

Contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, or DAV.org. Visit coleman-taylorfuneralservices.com.