Lawrence "Larry" James Gardner

Lawrence James Gardner, age 83, of Denton, Texas, passed away January 25, 2023 after

a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

Larry was born July 28, 1939, in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Wilbur James Gardner and

Fredricka Oden Gardner, lifelong residents of Sulphur, Louisiana. Following his graduation

from Sulphur High School, he attended college at McNeese State University, in Lake Charles,

Louisiana, where he received a degree in Biology and then went on to the Hermann Hospital

School of Physical Therapy in Houston, Texas, receiving his degree in Physical Therapy. His

career in athletic training and physical therapy began with positions at the University of

California at Berkeley where he also worked as an assistant trainer for the Oakland Raiders

franchise, the United States Army at Brooks Army Hospital, and Stanford University at Palo

Alto. He continued his career as an athletic trainer for the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami

Dolphins, participating in Conference Championships and Super Bowls with both franchises.

He worked in professional rodeo for the Justin Sports Medicine Program, attending the

National Finals Rodeo for many years along with the Circuit Finals Rodeo, car racing with

CART, traveled the world with the United States Gymnastics Federation, and was an athletic

trainer for the World Cup Soccer team. He then moved into the clinical side of physical

therapy holding positions with the Sports Medicine Clinic of North Texas and the Tom Landry

Sports Medicine and Research Center in Dallas, Texas.

During his outstanding career, Larry held numerous Directorships and Honorary faculty

positions. He was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award by the Professional Football

Trainers Society (PFATS) and the Distinguished Service Trainer Award by the American

Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine. He was inducted into the National Athletic Trainers

Association, the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame, McNeese State

University Hall of Fame, and The University of Texas at Dallas Athletic Hall of Fame.

Over his career, he authored many articles, papers, books, worked with the Hydro-Fitness

Corporation to develop several machines to assist those with rehabilitation, and developed

a Sure Step Ankle Brace with Joint Solutions, Inc.

Larry returned to athletic training and physical therapy, at the collegiate level, working as

the Assistant Athletic Director and Head Athletic Trainer for The University of Texas at Dallas.

He traveled to many sporting events and treated many student-athletes over his years at

UTD. He received honors for being an outstanding athletic trainer and physical therapist. He

retired from UTD in December of 2009. After retiring, he continued his passion for working with

athletes and sports by volunteering his time with the Collinsville High School, six-man, footbal

team for several seasons.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Wilbur James Gardner, Fredricka Oden Gardner; and

his wife of 45 years and first love of his life Carol Lou Burden Gardner.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Kathryn "Katie" Aldis Gardner of Denton, Texas; daughter,

Mimi Gardner Smith and her husband, Joe of Murphy, Texas; son, Matt Gardner and his wife,

Mistie of Merit, Texas; stepson, Keith Aldis and his wife Liz of Dallas, Texas; his grandchildren

Callie Freeman, Madison Sims and her husband Chase, Collin Freeman, Marlie Gardner,

Mason Gardner, Matthew Gardner, and great-grandchildren Audrey Sims and William and

Rosie Aldis.

Memorial contributions may be made in Larry's memory to the National Athletic Trainers

Association, Southwest Athletic Trainers Association, Justin Sports Medicine Program, and/or

The University of Texas at Dallas Athletic Program.