Loyce Hugh Gardenshire

August 25, 2022

Loyce Hugh Gardenhire, age 88, a longtime resident of Stephens County, passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on Monday, Aug. 22, 2022.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 26 at 10 a.m. at Ray Of Hope Church, with Ronny Bernard officiating, under the direction of Comanche Funeral Home.  Interment will be at 1:30 p.m. at Antioch Cemetery, north of Elmore City. 

Hugh was born Oct. 24, 1933, in Elmore City, to Walter B. and Edna (Roller) Gardenhire. He graduated from Elmore City High School. In fact, Hugh was on the inaugural team the year Elmore City began playing football. He and Ruth Dobson were united in marriage on Dec. 24, 1952, in Gainesville, Texas. They were married for 69 years. He was a hard worker who could make something out of nothing.  His motto was every day is a new day! He enjoyed fishing and also taking his children and grandchildren hunting. He also was a custom combiner, and he raised cattle. Hugh worked as a diesel mechanic for Rock Island. He was a pipe liner for Koch Oil. Hugh was an active member of Ray Of Hope Church. He enjoyed working on the Pet Project and also working in the Food Pantry.  He was a member of the Comanche Booster Club when his kids were participating in sports at CHS. Also, he was a song leader at Joy Church and Liberty Baptist Church in his younger days.

Hugh is survived by his wife Ruth, of the home; five children: Linda Gardenhire Andrews, Duncan;  Ronda Gardenhire Sanders, Duncan; Ronald Gardenhire, Elmore City; Randy Gardenhire and wife Kathy, Elmore City; and Ricky Gardenhire and wife Carol, Elmore City; one sister, Freda Gayle Johnson, Moore; five grandchildren: Bryan, Natalie, Brandi, Amanda, and Jacque; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Wiley, and a sister, Ramona.  Also, a son-in-law, Charles Andrews.

Online condolences may be sent to comanchefh@pldi.net.