ERIE — Fred W. Warford, 47, of Erie died early Monday morning, 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 of Erie; a partner for life, Michael Shores of the home; four brothers, Skip Warford of Webb City, Mo., Terry Warford of Neodesha, Roger Warford of Parsons and Danny Warford of Arma; a sister and best friend, Tina Knight of Erie; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Aaron and Nicole Habiger and Kay Wilson.

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

The service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at First Christian Church in Erie. Burial will be in East Hill Cemetery in Erie. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at First Christian Church in Erie. Friends may call at the church after 2 p.m. today.

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

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