Terry Phillip Gardner

Terry Phillip Gardner passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026 at the age of 80.

Terry was born July 18, 1945 in El Paso, TX to Warren and Dorothy Gardner. He graduated from Austin High School in 1963 and the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1969.

His professional career started in Avila Beach, CA with Pacific Oil and Gas and Electric Company, Brown and Root in Southport, NC and Houston, TX. He became partner and President in 1979 with HTS, Inc. In 1991, he was employed by the Harris County Flood Control until 1996 before moving to Amarillo where he was employed by Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch and started his own company, Gardner Engineering, Inc. His career also took him to Hobbs, NM where he was employed by Louisiana Energy Services, LLC. Terry was licensed in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico and had a very diverse background in client/owner relations, geotechnical engineering, quality assurance, quality control, construction materials testing, facility management, project management, and construction management.

His experience included a uranium enrichment facility, nuclear power plants, water treatment plants, dams, levees and channels, and underground utilities plus post tensioning, reinforcing steel, soil and concrete. Terry loved his work and was always highly praised for his extraordinary talent and ability to solve problems and for helping others. His attention to detail and research was incredible and he did everything the right way no matter how long it took to complete the task. He was very ethical and knowledgeable. Terry retired three times just to be called for help, which he always did gladly. He retired in 2017. Terry was a 25-year member of CSI and served as President in 2013-2014. He always enjoyed his professional memberships.

Terry met his wife, Karen in Houston, TX. They had 45 wonderful years together and moved to Amarillo, TX in 1997 to take care of Karen’s parents. Terry loved snow skiing and fly fishing in the New Mexico mountains where he and Karen had a second home. He also enjoyed his guitars, country music, western art, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Terry loved living in Amarillo and all the wonderful people and great friendships. He was a member of Hillside Christian Church where he served as an usher and greeter. Terry was a very gentle and kind person and enjoyed doing things for others. He had a wonderful smile and spirit and loved the Lord. He will be missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Keith and Gary.

Terry is survived by his wife, Karen of the home; daughters, Catherine Watson and husband Greg of Houston, TX and Jennifer Boone of San Francisco, CA; grandchildren, Claire, William, and Gardner Watson, and Benjamin Boone; and several wonderful nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the Privilege Care Home, Virginia and Scott Green, Ryan and Viola for always providing loving, exceptional care. Terrys very caring Doctor, Julito Uy and the St. Michaels Hospice team. They all have helped and supported Terry and Karen in the fight against Alzheimer’s, caring for Terry with love, dignity, and respect which is testimony to their Christian values.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Privilege Care Home, 2701 Arcadia, Amarillo, TX 79109.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount. Interment will be at 1:00 PM, Monday, April 20, 2026 in Yukon Cemetery in Yukon, OK. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.