Remembering Gene Warren, Feature Article

Dec

2007

Remembering Gene Warren

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Gene Warren was a pioneer of Country Gospel Music in the Mid West. His distinct voice was silenced on Sunday morning, November 18, 2007, after a year long battle with various illnesses.

Gene Warren was born, October 15, 1932 in Portageville, MO. On August 14, 1950, he would marry Miss Martha Graham of New Madrid, MO. They would later begin their music ministry along with their three boys, Doug, Mike and Roy, as the Glorylanders. Through the years, they would have an array of young vocalists and musicians join them over a 40 year career. They would also enjoy three years of fulltime ministry, sharing their music with Gospel Music fans across America during the 1970s.

November 4, 2006 marked a very special day in Gene Warren’s life, as he and the Glorylanders celebrated their 40th anniversary in Gospel Music. That evening, they were presented with an official proclamation from the mayor of St. Louis, Francis Slay, proclaiming November 4th as Gene and Martha Warren day in the city of St. Louis, MO.

It was a privilege also to serve on the board of directors of the Mid America Gospel Music Association with this gentle giant. Gene was a charter board member and a huge part of the success of this association. His absence will leave a huge void and his wisdom will be greatly missed. Gene and Martha Warren were also among the first recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Mid America Gospel Music Association, receiving this honor in 2000.

"Brother Warren set the example for the rest of us with his faithfulness to the gospel and the music he was called to sing," stated MAGMA board member Kevin Womble. "It was an honor to serve next to him for all these years. He will be greatly missed."

The funeral for Gene was held on Tuesday, November 21 and was presided over by Rev. Bobby Marler Jr. and the eulogy was presented by his youngest son and present member of the Glorylanders, Roy Warren. Gene was laid to rest at the Mt. Hope Cemetary in St. Louis, MO.

Gospel singers from all across Mid America came to pay tribute and celebrate the life of this wonderful man. I can’t help but believe that Heaven’s choir is sounding a little more country with their new arrival.

Reader Comments

I was truly honored to call Gene Warren my friend and brother in Christ. This man and his family have left an idelible mark in gospel music that will never be erased. When I think of dedication and inspiration I think of this man. Brother Gene has set an example that we all can strive for. Gene has passed the torch to all of us who have been touched by his ministry.

Commented by Randy Barron On 12/01/2007

Simply the greatest mortal this planet will ever have.

Commented by On 12/02/2007

I was privileged to know these wonderful servants of God for 8 years and serving on the board of MAGMA with Gene for 6 years. I traveled to and from each board meeting with them listening to the journey of their ministry for the past 40 years. I will treasure all the stories, testimonies, tears and laughter Brother Gene shared and wait for the day we all will reunite in Heaven. You will be missed.

Commented by Kathy Atkins On 12/02/2007

What a blessing it has been to call Bro. Gene Warren my friend in gospel music and my Brother in Christ! He and Sister Martha have been such an inspiration and encouragement to me and my love for delivering the message of Jesus through music. Greatly loved by so many....will be greatly missed by all! But, HALLELUJAH, this great man is with Jesus and what greater legacy could he leave behind than that Promise fulfilled! Love, prayers and God's Blessings to the entire Warren Family!

Commented by Carol Sanguinette-How On 12/03/2007

I first heard the name Gene Warren when I moved to the St. Louis area in 1977. We would often listen to the Glorylanders radio broadcast on KXEN but I would not get the opportunity to really know the man until we formed the Mid America Gospel Music Association. It has been a great honor to serve with him on the board and to glean from his many years of wisdom. His unmistakeable voice will surely be missed.

Gary O'Neal

Commented by On 12/03/2007

I had the honor of sharing Gospel music with Gene Warren. In 1987, at the age of 17, I played bass guitar for Gene. The weekends on the road were the highlight of my teenage years. I was with the group less than a year. But, looking back it seems like it was much longer.
In the past few years I again had the privilege of playing with Gene, Martha, Roy, and Kevin. I was blessed to do so.
Gene, I will never forget "What you've done for me". You guided me at an impressionable age and set my life in the right direction.
In my heart I will always be a Glorylander.

Commented by On 12/03/2007

I remember as a little boy, Gene Warren and the Glorylanders coming to our church and what an impression that left on a little kid who was just learning to play guitar and how I just wore out those records at home trying to play along. Brother Gene and the all the Glorylanders are a model of faithfullness to the calling that God gave them. I too like Brad had the opportunity, in the early 80's, to play bass guitar for the Glorylanders and I guess he's right, I'll always be a Glorylander. I was also priviledged to participate in their 40th anniversary concert in 2006 and I was honored to be a pallbearer at the funeral. Gospel music in St. Louis will never be the same, but I'm sure that the band in Heaven is a bit tighter now that Brother Gene is home.

Commented by On 12/05/2007

Thank you, to everyone!Keep us in your prayers.

Dad, We miss you!

Commented by On 12/06/2007

Gene is missed by alot of people in the Saint Louis area I will miss his singing and playing and as a fellow brother in christ I know he is singing in the heavenly choir and keeping a watch over us everyday.
He never gave up the fight.when the doctors told him not to do a concert after his stay in the hospital he was doing the concert on Saturday in IL anyways he never wanted to let one lost soul miss out on hearing the word of God.

Commented by On 12/06/2007

It was such a shock to hear that my friend Gene had been called home. I was visiting this website and read the news. Gene and Martha have been our friends for many years dating back to the early 70's. They have been to our home and we as well have stayed in their home in St. Louis.Gene was such an outstanding person. He never had anything bad to say about anyone as far as i know.Gene has now recieved his crown that he so longed for.I'll certainly keeep the family in our prayers.
In His service
PAul Rhoden and The Suwannee River Boys

Commented by Paul Rhoden On 12/28/2007

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