Derek Warden, 38

Derek Warden, 38

Derek Warden, 38, went home to Jesus on Friday, February 26, 2021, after a car accident in Lakeland, Florida.

Derek was born on June 17, 1982, to Belinda Harper and Doug Warden in O’Bleness Hospital in Athens, Ohio.

As a child, Derek loved being with his siblings, cousins, and grandparents. When he was just 17, Derek decided he wanted to join the US Army and was stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Derek would go on to serve in the Iraq War with some of his closest friends, Chris Taylor and David Leale. Derek suffered with PTSD and TBI’s from his time in war. The family takes comfort that he is now at peace in the loving arms of Jesus.

Derek met his wife, Sarah, in kindergarten. They married in 2002 and went on to have 2 wonderful children, Sydney Clair (9), and Marley Andrew (8), who reside in Colorado Springs with their mother.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving father, Derek had a passion for helping those less fortunate. Derek held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him. Derek loved encouraging his daughter’s creativity and hiking and camping with his son. Derek enjoyed nature, travel, and growing plants. Derek joins his papaw, Bob Warden and cousins, Dustin and Cameron Brinager in Heaven.

He is survived by his wife and children; parents; grandmother, Kay Warden; sister, Stacy Warden; brothers, Christopher (Karnita) Warden, Adam (Autumn) Warden, Jeremiah Warden; aunt and uncles, Lori and Tyrone Brinager, Brian (Dolly) Warden; and Cindy Seymour. Also surviving are mother-in-law, Mary Sue Brauer; brother-in-law, John Brauer; and sister-in-law, Susan (Sean) Oney.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at 3:00 pm at Racine United Methodist Church with Pastor Larry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Racine, Ohio with full graveside military rites provided by Racine American Legion Post #602. Pallbearers are Christopher Warden, Stacy Warden, David Leale, Adam Ball, Chad Hubbard, and Tye Brinager.

Friends may visit the family at Racine United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 6, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, time of service.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you do something kind for someone. Go out of your way to make someone smile. Fill a local Blessing Box, donate to a church, feed a hungry neighbor, and spread kindness.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at [email protected] or on our Facebook page.