George Brett Gardner, 64 of Van Wert passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Defiance CHP Hospice Center after a very brief illness of leukemia.

He was born February 23, 1962, the son of George Sanford "Sandy" Gardner who preceded him in death on August 30, 1988. He was married on July 28, 2002, to Marlene (Marty Lehman) Gardner.

He was a 1980 graduate of Van Wert High School. He worked for Van Wert National Bank for seventeen years, then worked for All Green Lawn Care in Fort Wayne for over thirty years. Brett leaves behind his many rescue cats especially his buddies Harley D and Dusty. He was an avid fan of NHRA. John force was his driver and Brett was his #1 fan.

He is survived behind his two daughters, Brittany of Lima and Kyley of Van Wert; a son, Dylan of Van Wert; and stepson, Brett Fortney of Van Wert. Also six grandchildren, Hannah and Jude Vetter, Michele Gardner of Van Wert, Avi Fortman of Ottawa, Gabe Fortman of Van Wert and Draven Brown of Van Wert. Also surviving are his very special aunt Pat Prichard; brothers, Keith (Mitzi) Gardner and Tony (Patty) Gardner; sisters-in-law, Debbie (Terry) Owens, Diane (Dick) Jenkins, and Brenda Smith; brothers-in-law, Dan (Judy) Lehman and David Lee (Judi) Lehman.

Besides his father, Brett was preceded in death by his step-mother, Nancy Gardner and brothers-in-law, Mark Ainsworth and David Lynn Smith.

Services are 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home with Pastor Bobby Brown of Liberty Baptist Church officiating. Calling hours are 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Saturday prior to the services.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.