Fred W. Warford, 47, Erie, died Monday, May 17, 2010, at his residence. He had been in failing health, but death was not expected.

He was born Oct. 7, 1962, in Pittsburg, to Carl Cleaton and Patsy Louise Chaney Warford. He grew up and attended schools in Pittsburg and was a 1982 graduate of Pittsburg High School.

For a time, he lived in Carthage, Mo., and Carterville, Mo., and had lived in Erie the past three years. For several years, he worked in the grocery business.

He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his father, Carl Warford, Erie; partner for life, Michael Shores, of the home in Erie; four brothers, Skip Warford, Webb City, Mo., Terry Warford, Neodesha, Roger Warford, Parsons, Danny Warford, Arma; sister and best friend, Tina Knight, Erie; numerous hieces and nephews; special friends, Aaron and Nicole Habiger and Kay Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Patsy Warford, in 1996.

Funeral will be 2 p.m., Thursday, May 20, at the First Christian Church in Erie. Burial will be in East Hill Cemetery in Erie.

The family will receive friends from 7-8 this evening at the church. Friends may call at the church after 2 p.m. today to sign the register.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society and may be left with Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.