Luther J. Warden, Jr.

Luther J. Warden, Jr., known to many as “L.J”, “Luther”, or “Junior” went to be with his Lord, peacefully at St. Francis Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, LA, on December 4th with family at his bedside, at the age of 88.

Luther, was born in his childhood home on November 17, 1933 in Merryville, LA. During his years at home, he was a hard worker, and had many chores and responsibilities. He was raised without all the modern conveniences, like electricity and indoor plumbing. Life was not easy, but he learned how to work in the fields, repair things that needed it, and so much more. Many of these skills he learned to do as a child, he continued to do throughout his life. Even after his health declined, he continued to plant a garden. He loved to work in his garden and share what he reaped with anyone who liked fresh vegetables. He continued to push himself every day to do what he could to keep his house up and prepare his meals until the end.

The most important thing Luther was taught was about God and His Son, Jesus, a foundation he built his life of over 88 years on. Almost every conversation he had, especially in his later years was about numerous blessings God had given him, through the hard times and the good times. He knew from whom, and from where, all his blessings came.

Luther was drafted into the US Army and began service June 17, 1954.  One of the highlights of his service was working at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.  He reached the rank of Specialist Third Class before he was honorably discharged on June 15, 1956.

On July 20, 1956, Luther married Lucy. They were “one” for over 61 years. As most of you know, life after marriage is never easy or perfect. Theirs was certainly no different. But, through it all they used the examples of strong Christian marriages, and the wisdom and teachings from God as to how to have a long successful life together.

After marrying Lucy, they lived in the Port Arthur, Port Acres, and Orange, Texas areas, before moving back to Louisiana. After returning to Louisiana, they lived in the Rosepine and DeRidder areas.

Luther was known for his hard work ethic, generosity, and loving to make people laugh. He worked hard, and for many years of his marriage he worked two jobs to provide for his family. Luther was a good husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, son, and friend. He had many roles in life, and tried to live them just as he thought
God would want him to.

The union between this couple produced 3 children. Together, they raised their children knowing the love of God and His Son Jesus, teaching each on the joy of living a blessed life in Christ. Luther always said that his family was the biggest blessing from God, second only to his salvation through Jesus.

When Luther and Lucy moved back to the Rosepine/DeRidder area, they began to worship at Bilbo and Roberts Church of Christ, where he faithfully attended until his death. Luther truly loved his church family.

Luther was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy Maude Franks Warden, His parents, Luther J. Warden and Bertie Johnson Warden. He is lovingly remembered by two daughters, Karan (Kenneth) Coleman of DeRidder and Lisa (Lance) Willis of Plainview, LA, and one son, Mark Warden of DeRidder; seven grandchildren, Keith Trussell of Cumberland, MD, Dana Trussell of DeRidder, Natalie (Chad) Ray of Plainview, Jeremy Hart of Plainview, Matthew (Christy) Warden of Florien, Stephanie Hart of Plainview, and Luke (Andrea) Warden of DeRidder; fourteen great grandchildren, Dalton Thompson, Drake Ray of Plainview, Marlee Hart of Oakdale, Hannah Warden of Florien, Jake Hart of Oakdale, Mason Ward of Florien, Isaac Trussell of Cumberland, MD, Levi Warden of DeRidder, Payslee Dalquist of DeQuincy, Brody Smith of Plainview, Ivee Dalquist of DeQuincy, Lanie Warden of DeRidder, Bryson Hart of Plainview, and Meredith Warden of DeRidder; sister, Frieda (Reid) Thompson of DeRidder, two brothers, Jerry (Carla) Warden of Welsh and Travis Lynn (Diana) Warden of Port Lavaca, TX.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, December 8, 2021, also at Myers Colonial Funeral Home. Pastor Don Snider and Pastor James Patterson will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Hart, Chad Ray, Drake Ray, Dalton Thompson, Matthew Warden, Luke Warden. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mason Warden, Brody Smith. Burial will follow at Bivens Cemetery in Merryville, LA.

The family would like to thank all of his special friends for their prayers, calls, texts, food, hugs and the love shown to him, and most of all, our loving Graceful God for giving him eternal healing and peace.