Darwin Doyle Gard, 85 of Smithville passed away on Sunday, Dec. 17, at his residence.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 30 at Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church in Smithville. Family will receive friends from 12 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Bros. Joel Wood, Bill Robertson and Dwayne Cornelius will officiate.

Born Saturday, Aug. 27, 1932 in Ottumwa, Iowa, he was the son of Cleo Samuel and Doris Pearl Bonney Gard. Mr. Gard is a retired veteran of the Air Force, serving from 1950-1971 in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Shortly after retiring, he went to work for Sligo Boat Dock, where he retired in July 2015. Darwin was a professional fisherman for Hydra Sport and Winner Boats. He was a well-known and respected fishing guide on Center Hill Lake, lovingly known as “The King of Center Hill.”

Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Wanda Teachman Gard; children, Denise (Rick) Holcomb, Karla (Bo) Warrick, Bill (Susan) Gard and Michele (Pete) Roller; grandchildren, Ashle (Michael) Wiley, Brooke (David) Nickens, Samantha (Michael) Rohling, Sarah Holcomb, Nathan (Brittney) Gard, Ben (Traci) Gard, Johnna Roller, Rachel Holcomb, Kaitlyn Roller, Bryce Gard; 10 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are are one sister, Sherri Gard and sister-in-law, Barbara Gard.

Oak Lawn Funeral Home-Cremation Center, Sparta, is in charge of the arrangements.