Capt. Kenneth R. Gard USCG (Retired) was born January 24, 1934 in Pensacola, FL and passed away June 21, 2008 after a lengthy illness. Ken served 34 years in the Coast Guard, flying various aircraft. He helped save many lives during his long career and was awarded many medals. He enjoyed being commanding officer of C.G. Air Station, Clearwater, FL from 1982 to 1985. They were heavily involved in drug interdiction throughout the Caribbean and Haitian migration interdiction operations. He went on to be the head of the Coast Guard National Aviation Division in Washington, D.C. He had many exciting tours all over the country, mostly involving search and rescue. He loved every minute of it.

Ken's family always came first, especially his wife and daughters. He thought the world of his wife Barbara, the love of his life. He spent his last few months making her greeting cards almost every day. This is the kind gentle man he was. He also loved working outdoors in his yard.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Barbara Gard of Choctaw, daughter and son-in-law, Wendy and Jimmy Boggs of Jones, and grandchildren Sarah Jones, Chris Hughes and Stephanie Boggs, one brother and his wife, Ralph and Virginia Gard . Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Cora Gard , one daughter, Pamela Johnson, and one sister, Susan Magill. The funeral will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, June 25, at Bill Eisenhour Northeast Chapel with interment to follow at Jones IOOF Cemetery.