Edward G. Gardner, co-founder of Soft Sheen Products and precious philanthropist, dead at 98

Edward G. Gardner's hair care line began in his home basement and grew to be one the largest Black-owned organizations of its kind in the country.

Mr. Gardner, a co-founder of Soft Sheen Products Inc., passed away Monday at his home in the West Chesterfield neighborhood, where he invested almost all of his life. He was 98, his family stated.
" He was my dad, my hero, my teacher," stated Gary Gardner, one of Mr. Gardner's four kids. "I feel blessed to have had Ed Gardner as my dad.
Mr. Gardner was likewise a widely known benefactor. He donated 10s of countless dollars to causes that looked for to end weapon violence; to that end, he helped create the nonprofit company Black On Black Love.
He assisted choose the city's first Black mayor, Harold Washington, in 1983-- loaning the Washington project his creative staff along with helping fund a voter registration project.

In addition to his boy Gary, survivors include 3 other kids, Terri, Guy and Tracy, and his better half, Bettiann.
A personal household service is prepared.