Gary Andrew Warden

Gary A. Warden, 75, of Fulton, completed his life in a home on the hill just above the house where he was born, on February 24, 2026.

Gary was born on July 4, 1950, in Callaway County, Missouri, to the late George and Dorothy (Butcher) Warden. His arrival in the world was as memorable as the life he would go on to live- delivered by Dr. W.D. Payne that was brought to the families home by wagon that day when the muddy roads made travel by car impossible.

Gary attended Herring School until its closure and later graduated from South Callaway R-II in 1968. Following high school, he continued his education at Linn Technical College, where he studied drafting and design, earning a two-year degree that would shape his professional career.

In December of 1969, Gary was united in marriage to Mary S. Youngdahl. Together, they built a life centered on family and were blessed with two sons, Gabe Warden and Chris Warden.

In 1972, Gary began his career as a draft designer at Westinghouse, later ABB, where he dedicated more than three decades of service before taking early retirement in 2005. Retirement did not slow him down, Gary became self-employed, operating a sawmill.

He had a lifelong passion for firearms, often frequenting gun shops and delighting in finding old shotguns he could tinker with and restore. For several years, he participated in cowboy action shooting, enjoying the challenge of shooting pistols, rifles, and shotguns in friendly competition.

Gary also had a deep appreciation for the American West. He traveled extensively, visiting Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, Mesa Verde, Monument Valley, and Ten Sleep, Wyoming. In Ten Sleep, he formed a special friendship with a local gunsmith, returning often to visit. His final trip took him to the Tetons of western Wyoming, a place made famous by classic western films such as Shane-a fitting destination for a man who admired the spirit and rugged beauty of the West.

Those that remain to cherish Gary's memory are his wife, Mary, sons, Gabriel Warden of Columbia, Christopher Warden and wife Heather Stewart of Greenfield, MN, sister, Dorothy Lee (Bode) Kleindienst and husband David Kleindienst of Fulton, grandchildren, Alexandria E. Warden of Columbia and E. Brooke (Warden) Bias and husband J.D. Bias of Conroe, Texas.

Memorial Services will be held at Maupin Funeral Home on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Bruce Williamson officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm until the time of service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Owl Creek Gun Club, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Blvd, Fulton, MO 65251.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com