Born in Silverton, Mo. Leland M. Warden, 85, was lovingly welcomed into Heaven on Dec. 1, 2006.
Leland was born Nov. 24, 1921 in Silverton, Mo. He was the eldest of seven children born to Mark and Hattie Warden. He attended Southwest Bible College in Bolivar. Upon completion, he began teaching.
In the early 1940, he relocated and went to work at Hanford, Calif., for DuPont. He then served honorably in the Air Force, once again returning to Richland, Wash. He continued to work there, in various positions in management, until his retirement. No matter what position he held, he always worked extremely hard, giving it his all.
After retirement, having already been struck by Parkinson’s disease, he committed his time, effort and energy to medical research and helping others afflicted by the disease. He was the Parkinson’s Support Group Leader for the Neurological Center, a job which he wholeheartedly devoted countless hours to every day. One of the proudest moments of his life was when he was honored with a special dinner and a plaque bestowing an honorary doctorate on him by Drs. Lahiri and Washington. Eventually the Parkinson’s progressed, coupled with strokes, and he was no longer able to do the support work he so loved.
Leland is survived by wife, Cora of Richland, Wash.; his daughters, Jann Hughes (Larry) of Kent, Wash.; and Karen (Scott) Samuelson of Kennewick, Wash.; also granddaughters, Noell (Frank) Blavka and Bethany Samuelson.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Neurological Center, in Richland, Wash. A graveside memorial service will be held at a later date.
