Tributes

This Memorial Page Established by Mother of #1 Son
Freeman L. Gardner, Jr.

Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner, was born in Mt. Clemens and attended Martin Luther King Jr. High
School in Detroit.  

Gardner won multiple awards in high school, including a first place award during a 1994
summer program with Ford Motor Company for gifted high school computer programmers.

Gardner became a national winner in developing a detailed computer program.
In 1998, Gardner graduated from Central High, in Little Rock with a 4.0 gpa, with high honors
in his AP classes.

Gardner was involved in numerous campus activities at the University of Oklahoma and
became a member of the Zeta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in November
1999.

Gardner married his lovely wife on December 23, 2004, in Oklahoma City.
Gardner was a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle and soldier and a friend to many. He
was a quiet man with a gentle demeanor.

Freeman loved going to the movies every Saturday with his wife and he loved listening to her
colorful stories and impressions which always kept him laughing.

"Freeman adored his mother and younger sister Darlene and he was enamored with his niece
Chanel who he felt was the sweetest, caring and most respectful child he'd ever encountered.

"Freeman loved working on computers, playing video and strategy games, reading, and
studying military and international history. He also loved watching college football games and
could not be interrupted when the University of Oklahoma Sooners or University of Michigan
Wolverines were playing."

Gardner joined the United States Army in June 2004 and completed basic and advanced
training before being stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington.
Freeman joined the Army to obtain valuable work and leadership experience. Gardner was
deployed to Iraq in June, 2006.  He died serving his country and he was proud to have the
opportunity to be a soldier.

"Freeman tried to prepare his wife in the best way he knew how for his departure from this life
by pushing her everyday to be strong, assertive and resilient. Freeman was extraordinarily
loved and will be missed every moment of every day."

In the army, Gardner was a signal systems support specialist, he helped maintain or
supervise the battlefield communications systems.

He is survived by his: loving wife, Mother, Step-father, two sisters, and numerous family,
friends and loved ones to cherish his memories.

His awards and decorations include:
Army Achievement Medal,  
National Defense Service Medal,  
Iraqi Campaign Medal,  
Global War on Terrorism Medal,  
Army Service Ribbon,  
Bronze Star,  
Purple Heart,  and  
Good Conduct Medal.

Gardner’s final resting place is at the
Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Sherwood, AR.
1501 West Maryland Avenue
SECTION:  K            GRAVE:  36

August 18, 2011
Freeman's MOM ; Farra
Hi #1 Son,

I miss you so much, you were and still is very special in my heart. No one could ever take
your place.  I know the Lord had a mission for you to fulfill, and you were faithful to do his
will.  Where ever you went, you touch people lives, and brighten their day. LOVE lifted me, and
that is so true; for only God has given me the strength to go through these days, while I miss
you. I must close this note to you #1 Son, but my heart will always remain open to you.  I
know Heaven is beautiful, and one day I will be there in peace too.

LOVE Always,
from MOM :)

Jan 05, 2009
Ashley
Freeman was an outstanding man. I am better for having known him.
Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner, Jr.
United States Army
KIA 22 March 2007
Sign Guestbook
26, of Little Rock, Ark.; assigned to the 18th Engineer Company, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team,
2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died March 22 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an
improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol.
Little Rock Central High
School with High Honor
4.0 g.p.a.
His name goes down in History
A very hot day in Iraq
Resting in PEACE
His Captain gives Sgt
Gardner honor and respect
The folding of His flag
The church loved Freeman