Wesley "Wes" Brian Gardner, 65, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026.

Born on April 29, 1961, and raised in Benton, Wes was a proud Arkansan whose life was defined by baseball, family, friendship, and the outdoors. A gifted athlete from an early age, he attended the University of Central Arkansas before being drafted by the New York Mets in 1982. He went on to fulfill a dream shared by countless young athletes, pitching in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox, and later for the San Diego Padres and Kansas City Royals. Baseball was more than a profession to Wes—it was his passion, his identity, and a source of lifelong friendships and memories.

When he wasn't on a baseball field, Wes loved being outdoors. Hunting brought him peace and happiness, and he cherished time spent in the woods, especially with good dogs, good friends, and a good story to tell afterward. Those who knew him best understood that baseball and hunting were not simply hobbies; they were the things that made him feel most at home.

Wes was known for his competitive spirit, determination, and unmistakable presence. He was also known as the "Arkansas Hummingbird," a nickname earned during Channel 7 broadcasts of his pitching. He lived life on his own terms and approached it with the same intensity that carried him from the ballfields of Arkansas to the major leagues.

He is survived by his son, William Wesley Gardner and his wife, Jacqueline; his granddaughter, Natalie; and two sisters, Carol Childs and her husband, Eddie, and Linda Hatch and her husband, Allan.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to those who cared for Wes with compassion, dignity, and kindness during his final days.

Though his playing days ended long ago, the stories, memories, and impact he left behind will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be remembered as a Major League pitcher, an outdoorsman, a son of Arkansas, and a man who never lost his love for the game.

A celebration of Wes' life will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Ashby Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be William Gardner, Matt Price, Cody Childs, Scott Richey, Wyatt Ferguson, and Walter Hyde.

For those who knew him best, he will always be remembered with a baseball in his hand, a hunting story to tell, and Arkansas in his heart.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Benton Youth Sports Association (BYSA), a charity that was important to Wes.

Checks may be made payable to "BYSA" and mailed to:

Benton Youth Sports Association
P.O. Box 183
Benton, AR 72018-0183

Please write "In Memory of Wes Gardner" in the memo line.