Elmo Howell Gardner, Jr., was born on August 15, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois. His family lived in Elmhurst, Illinois, for a while before eventually moving to Monterey, California, for his teenage years. Elmo graduated from Monterey High School and attended Monterey Peninsula Junior College and the University of California at Berkley. He continued his education after enlisting in the United States Air Force. Elmo’s focus was mainly in the sciences but he also took courses in language and music. He received his BA degree in Meteorology from the Univ. of Oklahoma and his MA in Astro Physics from the Univ. of Washington.
Elmo’s first assignment was to Yale University where in 8 months he absorbed the equivalent of 4 years of Mandarin Chinese. During his career of 23 years, Elmo was commissioned an officer, forecasted weather in Japan and Colorado Springs, and was Commander of the Solar Observation at Ramey, Puerto Rico, tracking solar flares. Elmo retired from the USAF in 1986 and immediately took a position with an Aerospace company in Colorado Springs. He finished his career as a bus driver for Lewis Palmer School District, a job he particularly loved.
Elmo enjoyed hunting, camping, skiing, bowling, golf and Muzzle loading/Rendezvousing, but he especially loved his family, wife Carol and four children. Elmo and Carol enjoyed a happy marriage of 62 years and participated in everything together. He was a great father who was involved in both Boy and Girl Scouts and volunteered in their activities when needed.
Just before retirement, Elmo joined the Shriners and music returned to his life. He started the Shriner Dixielanders and played in the Shriner parades and other events. The Dixielanders were very popular and played at many Assisted Living Homes and Therapy Centers, asking only for donations to the Shriner’s Hospitals.
Elmo was preceded in death by his father, Elmo Sr.; mother, Isabel; and his two brothers, Earl and Todd. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his sons, Greir (Ashley) and Brent (Sara); daughters, Sheri (Jim) and Dawn (Todd); 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at 10:15 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Monument, Colorado, followed by a reception at the parish hall. Interment with military honors will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Shriner’s Hospital Transportation Fund: PO Box 193, Pueblo, Colorado, 81002-0193. (Both parents and children are transported free to the various hospital locations – hospitalization is free for the children).
The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Maj Howell’s 23 years of service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Dawn and Family:
I send my condolences to you and your family, in the loss of your Dad, who was a wonderful father, husband, grandfather, friend and so much more to so many. May the lifelong myriads of memories you shared with him sustain you and your family as you navigate the difficult waters of this emotionally painful and sad loss. Ed Perry
I didn’t know him personally, but you meant a lot to my friend Steven (Vendell). On the behalf of all of Trident may your soul lay to rest in the heavenly twilight. I wish your family nothing, but the best of luck getting through your days. Just know he will never be forgotten as long as you all live life to the fullest and keep him in your hearts.
To Carol and family,
What a wonderfully jam-packed life Elmo lived and brought you along with him. I know you will forever miss him but will cherish these wonderful memories. He is at peace and I pray for peace and comfort for all of you.
Charlene Emmett Volpert