In Loving Memory of Christian “Red” Martin Warring — 100 Years of a Life Well-Lived.
Christian Martin “Red” Warring passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, at the age of 100. Born April 26, 1925 in Spring Garden, IL, he was the son of Christian Martin and Pearl May (DeMoss) Warring. He called Smithville, Missouri home for 63 years. With his passing, we honor not just a life long in years, but a life rich in purpose, faith, service, and love.
Red was a proud United States Army veteran, having served honorably during the Korean War. His dedication to his country was matched only by his dedication to his family and his community. The strength, discipline, and compassion he carried throughout his life were shaped in part by his military service, and he wore the title of veteran with humility and pride.
Faith was a cornerstone of Red’s life. A devoted member of First Baptist Church in Smithville, he served for many years as a Deacon, later being recognized with the distinguished title of Deacon Emeritus. Red lived his faith not only inside church walls, but in the way he treated others — with patience, generosity, and genuine care.
Red’s story was also one of enduring love. He was preceded in death by his beloved wives, Joan (Henderson) Warring and Vera (Baker) Warring, who each shared meaningful chapters of his journey and his brothers Don Warring and Eugene Warring. He also faced the heartbreaking loss of a son, Bill Warring, and a stepson, Derrick Henderson — their memories kept close to his heart throughout his life.
He is survived by his brother Thomas “Bud” Warring, his children Bob Warring, Steve Warring, Barbara Henderson, and Mitch Henderson, along with a large and loving family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and relatives who cherish him as a mentor and the steady presence who shaped so many lives.
Red found joy in the simple and the profound — never more than when he was out on the golf course. Golf was his favorite pastime, a place where he built friendships, celebrated good days, laughed off the bad ones, and enjoyed the peace of being outdoors. He played the game the way he lived his life: patient, steady, and always looking forward to the next shot.
In Smithville and beyond, Red will be remembered for his easy smile, his warm conversation, and his ability to make anyone feel welcome. His presence, even in his later years, could brighten a room; his kindness could change a day.
A century of life gave Red countless experiences, but it also gave those around him a rare gift — the chance to be loved, taught, and inspired by someone who truly understood what matters. His legacy is measured not only in years, but in the compassion he showed, the wisdom he shared, and the deep connections he formed.
Although we grieve his passing, we celebrate a life lived to its fullest. Red leaves behind a guiding example of strength, faith, and love — one that will continue to shape the lives of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always treasured.
Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. with Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 24th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville Burial with Military Honors Community of Smithville Memorial Cemetery.
