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BORN
1929
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Donald Warden Obituary
Brentwood, TN
Passed away peacefully on March 12, 2017.
Don was born March 27, 1929, in Mountain Grove, Missouri, to Rev. Charlie and Mrs. Eva Jane Warden.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Lillie, Myrtie, Lloyd, Floyd, Oscar, Clyde and Fred Warden.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lois Ann Bybee Warden; son Charlie (Cheryl Waters); grandchildren, Courtney Warden Barlar (Will) and Chase Warden (Emily); and one sister, Reba Brown of Oklahoma City.
Don spent 2 years in intelligence service with the United States Army before beginning a lifelong career in the music business both as a steel guitar musician and in management. He played on the Ozark Jubilee and the Louisiana Hayride, and he worked with Red Sovine, The Wilburn Brothers and Porter Wagoner on the Porter Wagoner show. Shot Jackson custom designed the first stand up Sho-Bud steel guitar for Don. Don spent 43 years as Dolly Parton's road manager. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a Shriner, and a lifelong member of the Church of God. He was inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2008, and was honored to have a park named for him in West Plains, Missouri.
Active pallbearers are Chase Warden, Courtney Warden Barlar, Richard Dennison, Debra Wagoner Loy, Denise Wagoner, and Richard Wagoner.
Honorary pallbearers are members of the Nashville Musicians Union.
Visitation will be held at Christ Church on Thursday, March 16, 2017, from one to two o'clock in the afternoon with funeral service to follow at two o'clock. Interment to take place following the service at Christ Church Memorial Gardens. Reception to follow graveside services at Martha Scott Hall at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund, 1 Gaylord Drive, Nashville TN, 37214, or to Adoration Hospice, 545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 43, Nashville, TN 37228.
Visit the online obituary:www.brentwood-roesch-pattonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Warden
Sponsored by Brentwood-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home - Brentwood.
Dan Surber
March 23, 2017
The World has lost a good man, Music has lost a great entertainer, A family has lost a great provider, I have lost a good friend, We will miss you Don, Gods speed
Rick Koelz
March 16, 2017
Charlie, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. I'm sure he has left you many great memories to cherish. I won't be able to come to the funeral home. We are stuck in Boston because of the "blizzard" - visiting grandchildren.
Rick Koelz
March 15, 2017
Such a wonderful soul, though I only knew Mr. Don a short time he was a very sweet man. I pray for all of his family and friends. may God stand beside you all during this time specially his sweet and loving wife.
Aimee
"Rooster" Simpson
March 15, 2017
I personally didn't know Don, but was raised in the 1960s-70s,on Don's 8 -String Steel sound,and vocals,on the Porter Wagoner Show televised in St Louis,MO.. I was happy to see Don,on them re-runs in past years on RFD-TV. He was unique.What a Blessing. My Sympathy to the Family. I want to say "Thanks" ,for Don's Duty & Service, for our Freedoms in the U.S.Army. And Thanks for his contributions in what we know as : Country Music.
John 3:16
Marvin West
March 15, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Don was such a friendly soul. I had the opportunity to talk with him a few times during different events at the Dollywood park. Don was someone who could give you great advise. He will be greatly missed.
Jerry Bryant
March 14, 2017
thoughts and prayers to the family and all his music friends.
Flora and Jerry Bryant
KENTUCKY
Tim Hagan
March 14, 2017
The Walter Henry Hagan family sends their heartfelt condolences to the Warden family. Mr Warden was so kind and thoughtful, such a good man. God bless you.
Jerre Ann Mathis
March 14, 2017
Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss him stopping in his little red car to visit with me and my little dog, Lucy. Before he became ill, we saw him just about everyday on our walk. Love to the entire family. Jerre Ann Mathis
Mark Triplett
March 14, 2017
I really enjoyed his music.
Gary and Ginger Greer
March 14, 2017
Charlie, I'm so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thought are with you and your family during this very difficult time. May you find comfort in Gods arms.
Larry and Margaret Teague
March 14, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to the Warden family.
Kevin and Karyn Fuller
March 14, 2017
Our deepest condolences to Charlie, Lois Ann and the Warden family as they embrace the passing of Don into the arms of Jesus. Though we didn't know Don, we remember him on the Porter Wagoner Show. His legacy as a talented musician, Mr. Wonderful to Dolly, the most honest man and all his many qualities will be cherish forever. He's now in Paradise and may you find comfort knowing that he graced this earth with honor and respect and now he will Rest In Peace for eternity. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 14, 2017
Don made this Yankee feel welcomed when I joined Dolly's tour. Godspeed Mr. Warden.
JJ Jaboolian
fred gray
March 14, 2017
he had a distinct voice listen to his singing back up for porter waggoner always looked so serious dolly had much praise for him in her book
rip don such a great singer and steel guitarist
Ron, Leslie and R.P. Elliott
March 14, 2017
Our love, prayers and thoughts are with Ann, Charlie and all of his family. We have had the pleasure of working with Don and spent many good, fun times as friends with him and Ann. He is a wonderful man, great musician and a treasured and honorable friend. We shall miss him very much. God bless you dear friend and may you rest in peace. Your ole friends, Ron, Leslie and R.P.
Mike Haberlan
March 14, 2017
I loved and admired Don Warden. His wit, wisdom and friendship influenced my life in so many positive ways quite a few years ago and those lessons & truths have lasted to this day. I am so sorry and sad to hear of his passing. He was a great, great man. Don, and the things he taught me will never be forgotten.
Dean Tubb
March 13, 2017
Mr Don Warden was a "Class" act and an asset to our music business and touring industry. He was from a mold I hope many in our industry would hope to emulate!
My deepest sympathy to the family and his devoted wife. Prayers are with you all during this time of deepest loss and grief. May our Lord surround you with His peace and strength as you face the days and months ahead.
God Bless,
Dean Tubb
Margie Thessin
March 13, 2017
We're so sorry for your loss, Charlie and family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Margie and Mark Thessin
Mark Kiracofe
March 13, 2017
I loved Don Warden. What I learned witnessing the character he displayed while approaching the task at hand, and the caring he showed all who took the time to receive it, has influenced my life to a degree hard to express today.
I was fortunate to work with Don and will rejoice in his memory.
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