LaVerne R. “Pete” Warden, 85, of New Athens, IL, born February 24, 1936 in East St. Louis, IL, passed away on Thursday August 5, 2021 at his home.  Mr. Warden served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958 as an Electrician’s Mate 1st Class.  He was a member of Iron Workers Local 392 in Fairmont City, IL from 1959 until his passing.

Mr. Warden was preceded in death by his parents; William and Helen (Geller) Warden and his sisters and brother; Virginia “Ginny/Red” Modglin, Leonard “Worm” (Clarice Callahan) Warden, Dorothy “Dot” (John) Kramer and Geraldine “Gerry” Delehanty.

“Pete”, as he was affectionately known, is survived by a brother-in-law; Herbert Delehanty and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great great nieces.

In lieu of flowers, it was Pete’s wish that any memorials in his honor be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Children were the love of his life.

Visitation:  Friends and family may gather from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday August 17, 2021 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL.

Funeral: Friends and family will be meeting at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday August 18, 2021 for graveside services.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Rita Rubenstein nee (Brandt) says:

   08/16/2021 at 12:03 am

   Sorry for your loss, and my father was a first cousin of Uncle Pete’s.

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2. Lauren Warden Mims says:

   08/09/2021 at 11:47 am

   Warden Family,
   I am so sorry for the loss of Pete, my Dad. I was such a Daddy’s girl so many years ago. Thursday evenings and Saturdays were my favorite days of the week because it was our time together, just the two of us. Thursdays he usually made me “sketti” and on Saturdays we would eat pancakes or biscuits and honey butter and go for a ride somewhere and listen to really old country music while my Mom was at work. He was a great cook! Then, when he left and divorced my Mom, he just disappeared from my life. He came in and out a couple of times in the 90s when he was living in Goreville. We went out on his boat and spent some really nice days together just talking. I asked him to give me away when I got married in 1995. He agreed and then backed out when it was time to be fit for a tuxedo. I wish I could understand why he didn’t want to be with me. We had such a great relationship. That was the last time I heard from him. I was always hopeful that would change. I am sad it did not. He would have loved my family and his two grandsons, Elijah (12) and Josiah (10). I wish they could have met him. My heart hurts and I am so sad that he is gone. I pray for the whole family to have peace. I also pray that he had a good life full of love and happiness. I have always wished the best for him. I regret that I cannot attend the service. I live too far away to make it back so quickly. Prayers, love, and sincere condolences to all who got to be with him throughout his time on this Earth.

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