Christopher Michael Gardner

Christopher Michael Gardner, age 50, of Baltimore, Ohio went home on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. He was born on October 31, 1971 in Columbus, OH to the late Michael and Linda (Black) Gardner.

Chris was an avid hunter and fisherman, sports dad that transitioned to the ultimate military dad, huge Buckeyes fan and he never met a stranger. However his greatest blessing was being “The Paps” to his grandchildren- Patrick and Adeline.

He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 29 years, Jen; daughter and son- in-law Allyson and Evan Dort; sons, Michael and Wyatt; beloved grandchildren Patrick Gene and Adeline Mary; father-in-law and mother-in-law Jerry and Jodi Eitel; sister-in-law Shelby Jackson; nephews CJ and Alex Jackson; lifelong friend Matt Bauer and family; his garage friends Jamie, Kyle, Sean, Corey, Michelle, Brandon, Sammi, Alex, Tasha, Ty and Greg; many aunts, uncles, cousins and his canine companion Shadow.

Chris is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Richard and Geraldine Black, Gene Eitel and Rie Hawthorn.

The family would like to thank the staff at the James especially Dr. Mortazavi and Dr. Pallante and their teams and the staff of Hospice of Central Ohio for taking such extraordinary care of Chris.

Caring Cremation® is being handled by the JOHNSON-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 207 S. MAIN ST., BALTIMORE, OHIO 43105.  Friends may visit Tuesday, January 11, 2022 from 5-8 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation (t2t.org).

To send an online condolence, and sign the guestbook, please visit www.funeralhome.com.