Arthur Warden

Arthur R. Warden, 80, of Beardstown, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, at his residence. He was born Oct. 14, 1934 in Beardstown, Illinois, the son of James B. and Mary Irene Goodin Warden. He married Sandra Sue Lovekamp on July 18, 1957 in Virginia, Illinois and she survives.He is also survived by his son, Jeff (wife, Lisa) Warden of Beardstown; two grandchildren: Alan and Beth Warden of Beardstown; two sisters: Darlene Warden and Joann (Harry) Thurman of Beardstown; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert Warden; and one sister, Evelyn Taylor.Art was a lifelong farmer and owned Warden's Swings-N-Things, building outdoor furniture. As a young man, Art worked on his dad's pony farm, raising Shetland ponies and setting up pony rides at community events. He competed with his horse, Jerry, in horse shows, winning first in the jumper stake class in the 1957 Beardstown JC Horseshow, one of the top society shows in the Midwest. Art and Sue showed horses and enjoyed multi-day trail rides throughout the Midwest. Art founded the Cass County Saddle Club and hosted many events, drawing in up to 300 horses, at the club's show grounds on Chandlerville Road. Art enjoyed hunting, especially coon hunting. He loved gardening and sharing the produce with friends and family. Art could often be seen driving his golf cart on Chandlerville Road and surrounding areas to visit with neighbors. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.A funeral service will be held 10:30 am Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church in Beardstown. Burial will be at the Beardstown City Cemetery. Family will meet friends from 4-6 pm Friday at Community of Christ Church.

​ Memorials are suggested to Calvary Baptist Church of Beardstown or the Warden Education Fund for Art's grandchildren. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements. ​