Charles Edward Gardenhour Sr.

Charles Edward Gardenhour Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many, was called home on April 12, 2024. Charles, also known as “Bud” to many, was born on June 11, 1932, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Joseph and LaFerne Gardenhour. 

He was raised in Smithsburg, Maryland and was a 1950 graduate of Smithsburg High School. Bud attended Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education in 1954. He also received a Master’s Degree in Education from Western Maryland College (now known as McDaniel College) in 1975.

After College, Bud was drafted into the Army, where he served in the Korean War from October 1954 to August 1956. His duties while serving included reconnaissance and surveillance. He was also a Chaplin Assistant and Choirmaster for the Army. His fondest memories were driving Reverend Billy Graham to a front outpost and regularly going to a local orphanage to play with the children. He was awarded the “Good Conduct” medal. 

After his military service, Bud returned to Maryland, where he began his career in Education.  From the early 1960’s through early 1970’s he taught physical education at Landover Hills Elementary School. Staying within the education field, he was then tasked, along with several other educational professionals, who quickly became lifelong friends, to create the William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center in Brandywine, Maryland. In collaboration with these and other professionals, they developed an educational program that continues today and has enriched the educational experience for many elementary and high school students. Retiring in 1995, he dedicated almost 35 years of his life to Education. During his tenure, he received multiple awards, including the “Outstanding Performance” Golden Apple Award. 

Bud was a proud resident of Cheverly, Maryland, for over 60 years. He and his beloved wife of 67 years, Ann Crisp Gardenhour, are members of Cheverly United Methodist Church.

Bud will always be remembered for his endearing smile, his heart of gold, and his love for his wife, Ann, family, and friends. He truly touched the lives of so many through his ability to quickly connect and genuinely understand people, which often turned into lasting friendships. He was a champion for those in need. Plain and simple, Bud was an exceptional person that looked for the best in people and we are all truly blessed to have had him in our lives.

Family was Bud’s biggest passion. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann, children Charles Gardenhour Jr. (wife Sandy) and Christopher Gardenhour (wife Kathy), siblings Richard Gardenhour (twin brother) and Jeanette McCullough, and grandchildren Brandon, Jonathan (wife Nina), Benjamin, Hannah, John (wife Meagan), Robert, and James.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph O. Gardenhour and LaFerne M. Otto Gardenhour.

The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, any charitable donations be made to Capital Region Honor Flight in memory of Charles “Bud” Edward Gardenhour Sr. Capital Region Honor Flight recognizes the bravery, determination, and patriotism of senior Veterans in the DC, MD, and DE area.

We will forever cherish the memories of Bud’s remarkable life and the loving impact he made on all those who knew him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Services to celebrate the life of Charles “Bud” Edward Gardenhour Sr. are as follows. Bud’s favorite foods and treats will be served at both Repasts. 

Gathering to Celebrate the Life of Charles & Repast

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 

4:00PM to 8:00PM ET

Gasch's Funeral Home

4739 Baltimore Avenue

Hyattsville, Maryland 20781

Funeral Service 

Friday, April 26, 2024

11:00AM ET

Trinity Lutheran Church

15 N Main Street

Smithsburg, Maryland 21783

Burial Service 

Friday, April 26, 2024

Immediately following the Funeral Service 

Smithsburg Cemetery 

68 W Water Street

Smithsburg, Maryland 21783

Repast

Friday, April 26, 2024

Immediately following the Burial Service 

Trinity Lutheran Church

15 N Main Street

Smithsburg, Maryland 21783