Warren Sawyer Haden, 85, of Charlottesville, VA passed away on Tuesday, June 18, at Martha Jefferson Hospital.

Warren was happily married to Marie Canter Haden for 57 years. She passed away in 2017. In the notes Warren left for his funeral wishes he mentioned Marie being an angel who had guided him and their sons.

Born April 11, 1939 in Fluvanna County, VA, he was the son of Edward and Ruby Haden. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, E. Thomas Haden.

Warren is survived by sons Michael W. Haden and his wife Elizabeth and Darren M. Haden and his wife Stephanie. He dearly loved his grandchildren: Christen and her husband Alex; Morgan and her husband Scott; Abby and her husband Drew; Elly and her husband Christian; and Katy. He was blessed in recent years with three great-grandchildren: Cassandra, Elliott, and Theo.

Warren worked at State Farm Insurance in their Administrative Services department for 40 years. He used these skills at home to create a workshop in his basement filled with assorted tools and gardening equipment. An avid gardener, Warren enjoyed experimenting with new varieties and techniques each growing season. His family and friends counted on him for his plumbing, home maintenance, automotive, and gardening expertise. He also took his skills to Mount View Baptist Church where he served for many years on the Properties Committee. Warren was a faithful Christian working and serving in church. The Mount View Church building became a second home to his family growing up and the congregation a second family.

Warren did not fear death and thought of it as a reunion with his wife Marie. He wanted this poem read as part of his funeral service. In case you are unable to attend, it is also included here.

Safely Home

I am home in Heaven, dear ones;

Oh, so happy and so bright!

There is perfect joy and beauty

In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over,

Every restless tossing passed;

I am now at peace forever,

Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly

Trod the valley of the shade?

Oh! But Jesus’ love illumined

Every dark and fearful glade.

And He came Himself to meet me

In that way so hard to tread;

And with Jesus’ arm to lean on,

Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely,

For I love you dearly still:

Try to look beyond earth’s shadows,

Pray to trust our Father’s Will.

There is work still waiting for you,

So you must not idly stand:

Do it now, while life remaineth –

You shall rest in Jesus’ land.

When the work is all completed,

He will gently call you Home;

Oh, the rapture of that meeting,

Oh, the joy to see you come!

Priests of the Sacred Heart

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Mount View Baptist Church, 908 St. Clair Ave., Charlottesville VA, 22901.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.