John S. Warden, 65, of Midland, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2018. The family will receive guests from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland.John had many passions in life. One of his favorite passions was his hobby of racing motorized boats. Although that was a personal hobby of his, he loved spending time with others who enjoyed the hobby as well. Being the humble person he was, his passions often benefited others. He owned a restaurant in Arkansas, thus began a life-long love of cooking for others. He was an Executive Chef who not only cooked for Hilton Hotels, The Radisson and The Garlic Press he also cooked for celebrity performers who performed at the Wagner Noël Performance Arts Center. His love of cooking didn’t stop at his love for feeding people a memorable meal, he also loved to teach others how to cook. He was known as ‘Chef John’ or 'Pops' to many, and of those who knew him as that, they credit him as being the person who taught them everything they know about cooking. His passion for animals encouraged him and his wife Vicki to open and run a fish store from 2004-2008, and he loved his dogs as if they were his children. He always made sure the people and animals around him had plenty to eat and plenty of love. He understood that the greatest thing in the world is to love and be loved in return, and he did just that; he loved his wife, his kids and his grandchildren and they loved him right back.He is survived by wife, Vicki Warden; son, John Warden and wife Melissa; son, Jeremie Warden and wife Crystal; daughters, Laci, Hayli and Melissa; grandchildren, Logan, Shelby, Aiden, McKenzie, Levi, James, Mason, Addison, and Baby Warden; and pets, Chloe, Mia and Harley.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
