Lechner, Gordon Lyle, YNC(SS), U.S. Navy Retired, 78, of Egg Harbor Township, passed away on April 28, 2008. Born and raised in Crystal, MI until 18 years old when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served with distinction for over 22 years in the Submarine Service and the Pacific Fleet Intelligence Service until his retirement in 1970. After his retirement he was an Assistant Manager of Ginos, Roy Rogers, KFC. He was the original Base Commander of the South Jersey Submarine Vets. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 2189 in Somers Point and a member of the Fleet Reserve Association. He had an income tax preparation service in Egg Harbor Township for 30 years. In his leisure time, Gordon enjoyed antiques, fishing, coin collecting, and model trains, airplanes, and cars. He was predeceased by his parents Clayton & Elva Lechner, his brother Kermit LaForest, and daughter Cheryl Layton Swayne. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Grace T. (Carr); son Gary L. Lechner (Nathalie); daughter Debbie L. Rockelmann (Rich); nine grandchildren: Heath, Bob, Nick, Kayla, Gary, Christopher, Julian, Rich, and Viktoria; four great-grandchildren: Avigayile, Kira, Austin, and Nick; his sister Patricia Hale of Lima, OH; exchange student grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. A viewing will be held on Friday evening 6-7:30 PM, at the Boakes Funeral Home, 6050 Main St., Mays Landing, where services will be held at 7:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of NJ, 1034 Salem Rd., Union, NJ 07083.