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.
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 12/01/2007
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 15
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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.
Simply the greatest mortal this planet will ever have.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Thank you, to everyone!Keep us in your prayers.
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.
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.
Our prayers go out to the family, just found out about your loss. I remember playing drums for Bro. Gene at local churches in st louis when Roy was just a child. Bro. Gene will be greatly missed.
Gene and Martha encouraged our family 34 years ago in forming and developing our family group, of which now today I'm able with my sons and husband to carry on the legacy of gospel music as a family group called Overcomers Life Group and continue to touch lives...thank you, as one plants another waters and God gives the increase! In Christ,Debra Young
I just posted a note on another page to the group asking if they remembered an old country church in SC where they once sang. It was after that that I found the notice for Bro. Warren's death. My late condolences. I remember Gene and Martha well, my grandfather was the pastor of that little church and he loved The Glorylanders! I am wondering how Martha is doing. God Bless.
Gene Warren is my Pawpa! I miss u so much Pawpa! all is not the same without u here! I will always have the memories of traveling with U & Pawma as a child!Touring with Gene Warren & The Glorylanders was very exciting 4 me!My Pawpa sure did know how 2 play his guitar & sing his heart out!!!! He was 1 of the most supportive & positive Men in my life! U will 4ever remain in my heart Pawpa!!!! I hope I make it 2 were u are so I can be with u 1 day again!!! I will never 4get going over 2 the radio station with u as a little girl! Living with U & Pawma was a very happy time in my life! So I end my comment by saying, I am very proud 2 say Gene & Martha Warren r my Grandparents! I love u guys!
Greetings from snowy Michigan! I manage a 24-hour Christian Radio Station in Mid-Michigan. I'm always on the lookout for Southern Gospel Artists who would like to share their music with our listeners. A steady listener asked me if we could get some songs by the late Gene Warren and The Glorylanders. If you'd like to send some of your music, it can be sent to WCTP Radio 4330 Farver Road Gagetown, Michigan 48735. Thanks and May God Bless You in your work for HIM! Sincerely, Jack Thomas Operations Manager WCTP Radio.
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