Doris Jean Gardner

Doris Jean Gardner, 83, of Silver Springs, MD., passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022.

She was born on Friday, April 14, 1939, the youngest of 10 children to Jesse J. and Goldie May McLanahan.

Doris’ parents lived in Kingsville, MO for 17 years until the death of her father in 1950. Doris’ mother then moved to Holden, MO, where Doris continued school and graduated high school.

Ms. Gardner became associated with the federal government after she graduated from the University of Kansas in 1961 with a degree in business education. She served in a variety of posts over the years including as an aide to Secretary of State, George P. Shultz.

While in government service she obtained a Master’s Degree in Urban Politics from American University in Washington and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Harvard University. She served in the diplomatic section of the State Department in Washington prior to being assigned as a political advisor to U.S. Embassies (Brussels, Paris, Haiti and Tokyo).

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Goldie McLanahan; sisters, Mary Lou Alber, Bernadine Chaney, Anna Nevels, Esther Morris, Ruby Marie Fender; brothers, James W. McLanahan, Robert W. McLanahan, Everett McLanahan and J.C. McLanahan.

A funeral service will be held Friday December 2, 2022, at 10:30 AM, at Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, 407 S. Pine St., Holden, Missouri, 64040 with Warren Stowell officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Holden.

In lieu of flowers family asks donations to be made to Bright Futures (Holden School District) or Holden Community of Christ Church in Doris’ name.