Clyde Dean Gardner

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Clyde Dean Gardner, whose strength, kindness, and unwavering work ethic left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Clyde was a dedicated machinist who took great pride in his craft. He believed in doing things the right way, working hard, and treating others with honesty and respect. Whether he was on the job or lending a helping hand to someone in need, Clyde was the kind of man others could always count on.

Outside of work, Clyde’s greatest passion was racing. Whether he was at the dirt track or spending weekends with his remote-control racing family, he found joy in the competition, the camaraderie, and the friendships that came with the sport. From owning his own remote-control track to traveling to races with his best friends, racing was more than a pastime, but a community that became family. Everywhere he went, Clyde left a lasting impact through his willingness to help others, share his knowledge, and encourage those around him. The friendships he built and the memories created at the track will continue to be treasured by all who had the privilege of racing alongside him.

Clyde’s greatest pride in life was his family. He was a devoted father to his daughters, Tabitha and Heather, and loved them with all his heart. Nothing brought him more joy than being "BooBoo”; to his grandchildren. Whether he was cheering from the stands at baseball and football games, watching shooting sports competitions, riding dirt bikes at the track, attending band concerts, celebrating birthdays, supporting stock shows, or simply taking the kids out for ice cream, he was always there. He showed his love not only through words, but by showing up, time and time again. The memories he created with his family will be treasured forever, and the love he poured into each of them will continue to live on in their hearts.

He is survived by his two daughters, Tabitha Coffman and Heather Wilkins, his siblings, Mary Gale and John Gardner, his grandchildren Klinton Coffman (17), Brycelynn Johnson (13), Julia Wilkins (11), and Charlie Wilkins (7), as well as his niece, Mary Iris (13).

He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Gardner and his mother, Mary Gardner.

Although our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that Clyde’s race was one marked by integrity, perseverance, and love. While his final checkered flag has waved, the memories he created and the legacy he leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Clyde will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow racing enthusiasts, and all whose lives were made better by knowing him. His absence leaves an immeasurable void, but his memory will forever remind us to work hard, love deeply, and enjoy every lap life has to offer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the 2nd Chance Cowboy Church at 9005 Hwy 36 Clyde, Tx 79510 where family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, celebrate his life, and honor the remarkable man he was. In remembrance of his life and legacy, we invite those attending to wear a racing shirt or racing apparel as a tribute to the countless memories, friendships, and moments he cherished at the track.