GARY, Ind. — Alandress Gardner Sr., age 89, a retiree of U.S. Steel Corp., a real estate investor and a deacon, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011.

He was born the seventh of 11children on Sept. 12, 1922, in Vicksburg to the late Rev. John and Dora Prentiss Gardner. In 1942, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he won three battle stars and achieved the rank of sergeant. Alandress was a member of New Mount Moriah M.B. Church where he served as a deacon for 49 years. He later joined Trinity M.B. Church, where he also served as a deacon, under the leadership of his son, Dwight A. Gardner.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Alberta Gardner; one sister, Lucille Riley; a daughter, Sherrie Johnson; three sons, Alandress (Shirley) Gardner Jr., Dan (Barbara) Gardner and the Rev. Dwight (Sharon) Gardner. He also is survived by six grandchildren, Alisa (Timothy) Seymour, Minister Montia D. Gardner, Alandress Drew Gardner III, Justin Y. Johnson, Dominique (Marquis) Israel and Griffin E. Gardner; three godchildren, Angelica Harbour, Dion Brooks and Lavern (Thomas) Woods; and a host of extended family members and friends who filled his life.

Family and friends are invited to attend the wake at Trinity M.B. Church Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, from noon until 8 p.m. with the family hours from 6 until 8 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at New Mount Moriah M.B. Church, 1917 Carolina St.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity Scholarship Fund, 1831 Virginia St., Gary, IN 46407.