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In this Jan. 22, 2013 image, Rep. Joe Gardner, D-Batesville, listens to questions on a proposed charter school at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss. Gardner died Monday, Feb. 4, 2013 in Batesville, Miss. He was 68. Gardner was known and respected for his quiet demeanor and his careful consideration of all sides of complex issues. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The House held a memorial Friday for the Batesville Democrat, who died of an apparent heart attack Monday.
Rep. Kimberly Campbell Buck, a Jackson Democrat, says Gardner studied the House roster, memorizing members' families. Buck says Gardner called every day when she was confined to bed while pregnant. Rep. Brad Mayo, an Oxford Republican, says he admired Gardner for avoiding anger during contentious debates.
Gardner's memorial service will be Saturday in Batesville, with a funeral Sunday at Batesville High School.
The 68-year-old had served in the House since 2007 and was chairman of the House Ethics Committee. He represented District 11, including parts of Panola and Tate counties.