Olie “Bardon” Warner, 88, husband of Dorothy “Dot” Ann (Gum) Warner of Blue Grass, Virginia, passed away Feb. 10, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born Oct. 19, 1934 in Riverton, a son of the late Emory John and Tena Catherine (Judy) Warner.
An active member of his community, Mr. Warner was a member of the Hightown United Methodist Church, Blue Grass Ruritan Club, Highland County Farm Bureau and the Sheep and Wool Producers Association and caretaker of both Blue Grass and Hightown cemeteries.
A life-long farmer, he enjoyed his cattle, sheep, donkeys, horses and his barn cat, “Meow.” He also built a sawmill where he liked to spend as much time as possible.
In his spare time, he could be found playing his guitar, singing his favorite songs and playing with his band “The Blue Grass Valley Boys.” He also enjoyed tending to his honey bee hives and growing his prize-winning potatoes. Above all, he will be remembered as one to always lend a helping hand.
In addition to his wife of 67 years, he leaves behind two daughters, Tena W. Turner and spouse, Dean of Fishersville, Virginia, and Crystal W. Stephenson and spouse, Troy of Glen Allen, Virginia; two sons, Robert “Barney” Bardon Warner and spouse, Robin of Blue Grass, Virginia, and Timothy W. Warner and late companion, Bill Newman of Landenburg, Pennsylvania; five brothers, Buddy of Green Bank, Ray and Gene, both of Beverly, Steve of Valley Bend and Kenneth Warner of Elkins; four sisters, Ina W. Pitsenbarger of Franklin, Mary W. Tenney and Kitty W. Ball, both of Elkins, and Linda W. Cross of Beverly; three grandchildren, Jonathan C. Warner and spouse, Sara of Blue Grass, Virginia, Jesse C. Warner of Pensacola, Florida, and Caitlyn T. Maxfield and spouse, Ian of Zebulon, North Carolina; two great-grandchildren, Bonnie Jean and Margo June Warner, both of Blue Grass. Virginia; an aunt, Mary W. Marshall of Blue Grass, Virginia; as well as his special “sidekick,” Adam Snook of Seabeck, Washington.
He was also preceded in death by brothers, Roy “Butch” Warner and infant brother, Richard Warner; and half sister, Marie Cobb.
A funeral service was held Tuesday at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell, Virginia, with pastor George Taylor and Rev. Andre Crummett officiating. Burial followed in Blue Grass Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Rod Ritchie, Dakota Ritchie, George Smith Jr., Gary Jack, Chris Swecker, Herb Lightner, Lanny Wimer and Mike Marshall.
Honorary pallbearers were Harold Arbogast, Nathan Rexrode, Alvie Humphreys, Jake Colaw, Jackie Will and Junior Kimble.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Grass Cemetery, 3042 Blue Grass Valley Road, Blue Grass, VA 24413, Hightown Cemetery, c/o Sarah Shifflett, 87 Maple Sugar Road, Hightown, VA 24465 or to a charity of one’s choice.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.obaughfuneralhome.com.
