Virgil Lee Warden

Virgil Lee “Doc” Warden, of O’Fallon, Missouri, went to his heavenly home on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the age of 83. Doc, as he was lovingly known by many family and friends, was born on December 24, 1941, in Washington County, Missouri, a son of the late John “Buck” Warden and Violet (Gamble) Warden.

Virgil accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in the sixties, a commitment that transformed his life and deepened his walk with the Lord. Shortly thereafter, he joined Mary Ann Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as an ordained deacon. In his later years, he became a devoted member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in St. Charles, Missouri, cherishing the fellowship and spiritual nourishment he found among his church family.

A dedicated and highly skilled machinist, Virgil devoted 40 years of service to Boeing. His craftsmanship and precision contributed to remarkable aerospace achievements, including the Gemini Project, as well as the F-4, F-15, F/A-18, and other programs.

Virgil had an abiding love for the great outdoors. Whether camping, fishing, or hiking, he found joy, peace, and renewal in the beauty of God’s creation. He especially treasured traveling west to hike the National Parks. Among his most cherished traditions were camping and trout fishing trips with family and friends at Montauk State Park, where laughter, stories, and the quiet of the river made lasting memories.

Those left to cherish Virgil’s memory include his loving wife, Sheila Beth (Asbridge) Warden; his children, Sherry Lynne Groff (husband, David) and Nicholas Aaron Warden; and his two beloved grandchildren, Amanda Hill (husband, Jonathan) and Matthew Groff (wife, Danielle West); three great grandchildren: Walter, Wade, and Orie. He is also survived by his siblings, Linda Fenstermaker (husband, Lloyd), Larry Warden, and Bernetta Conway (husband, Mike); his in-laws, Colleen and Larry Nipper and Jack Asbridge; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever hold his memory close.

Virgil was preceded in death by his father and mother, his stepmother Geraldine Warden, stepfather Henry Greenwood, maternal grandparents Aaron Thomas and Pearl Gamble, his dear son Kerry Lee Warden, and his siblings and in-laws Elva and Clyde Vandergriff, Robert and Gloria Warden, and Randy and Sandy Greenwood, along with many other loved ones who welcomed him home.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m., and will resume on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Virgil’s Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. All services will take place at DeClue Funeral Home, 301 East High Street, Potosi, Missouri 63664.Pastor Neal Vannatta will be officiating.

Honoring Virgil by serving as Casket Bearers are: Nicholas Warden, Larry Warden, David Groff, Matthew Groff, Bobby Warden, and Damon Warden.

Through every season of his life, Virgil lived with humility, gratitude, and unwavering faith. His gentle kindness, quiet strength, and steadfast love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7This scripture beautifully reflects the life Virgil lived and the peace with which he entered his eternal home. Virgil's funeral arrangements were respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home.