Linton Dale Gardenhire's Obituary
Linton Dale Gardenhire, 88, of Memphis, Texas, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Memphis.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 20, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Memphis with Rev. Daniel Downey officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Memphis.
Viewing will be held Thursday at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends during visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Arrangements are under the care of Robertson Funeral Directors of Memphis.
Linton was born May 19, 1937, in Lakeview, Texas, to Otha Earl and Jessie Brooks Gardenhire. He married Linda Coleen Foard on October 26, 1956, in Petrolia. He was a lifelong resident of Hall County and had lived in Memphis since 1978.
Linton worked for many years as a farmer. He also owned and operated Linton's Auto Supply and later Linton’s Towing Service. Known for his strong work ethic, he was always working on a project or helping someone in need.
Many knew Linton as the “Candy Man” at church, as he always kept candy close by and enjoyed sharing it with the children and the widows. He had a servant’s heart and generously volunteered with the Memphis Chamber of Commerce for many years. Linton was also a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Memphis, where he faithfully served as a deacon and volunteered his time at Panfork Baptist Encampment.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Linda Gardenhire of Memphis; two sons, Mark Gardenhire and wife Mona of Albany, and Kirby Gardenhire and wife Kelley of Memphis; one daughter, Sidney McKay and husband Gary of Fort Worth; one sister, Edna Earl McElreath of Amarillo; seven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Memphis, Texas, or Panfork Baptist Encampment.
What’s your fondest memory of Linton?
What’s a lesson you learned from Linton?
Share a story where Linton's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Linton you’ll never forget.
How did Linton make you smile?
