HARRY "JOKER" WARREN, JR., age 90, died on Wednesday, October 2, 2013, at his residence in Charleston, MO.

He was born October 29,1922, at Brock Ranch in Oregon County, MO to the late Harry Warren and Eva Risner Warren. In 1928 his family moved to Blodgett, MO, where they farmed and raised cattle. Joker's entrepreneurship started at an early age when he raised white mice and took them to school to sell to his classmates--much to his teacher's dismay. In 1940, he moved to Charleston where he embarked on many business ventures, buying and selling cattle, land, oil, and even caskets. Over the decades, he raised cattle, farmed, built and ran a motel, and restaurants; however, his proudest business achievement was the Charleston Auction Company which had its first sale in November 1941. At one time, Charleston Auction was the largest livestock auction in Missouri, reaching a high of 1,150 head of cattle per auction and as many as 1,000 hogs. Joker served as president of the Missouri Livestock Auction Association and on the Board of the National Livestock Auction Association. Joker also had the vision to be the first to plant potatoes and install modern irrigation in Mississippi County.

Joker was an involved member of the community. A life-long Democrat, he was active in politics, twice serving as a Missouri Delegate to the Democratic National Convention. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Charleston Chapter, No. 407, A.F & A.M., and of the First Baptist Church. Girl Scouts of Mississippi County will surely remember when "Mr. Joker" used a cattle truck to give dozens of them the fun of a hayride to camp. 4-H members will remember him for letting them hold their annual auction at Charleston Auction. For many years, he also supplied the meat for the Girl Scout Hamburger Day.

Others may recall that for many years Joker raised thoroughbred horses, and some of us were lucky enough to have shared the thrills of watching his horses race--and sometimes even win. He long boasted that his horse, Play Pilot, was the son of Kentucky Derby winner, Jet Pilot. (And this was the truth!) He didn't raise a Derby winner, but he had as much fun as anyone who did. In fact, Joker had more fun in his life than most of us. For him, sharing with others brought Joker as much joy as it did the recipients of his generosity.

He made his best "deal" ever when he married Julia Cooper, "the Baptist preacher's daughter," as he called her, on March 13, 1943, and got a partner for life. He leaves Julia and daughters Pam W. Crawford and Jamee Shelby of Charleston; Dr. Lisa Cooper Warren of Salem, VA; one sister, Greta Watson of Mart, TX; ten grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

One son, Harry Warren, III; two brothers, John Warren and Bob Warren; two sisters, Ethel Duff and Charlene Merrick; and one grandson, Gregg Crawford, preceded him in death.

Services were conducted Monday, October 7, 2013, at the First Baptist Church in Charleston. Bill Stacy, officiated.
Interment will follow in the IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.

Casket bearers will be Reginald Young, James Kenneth Reeves, Donny DeLine, Gregory Poyner Hall, Jerry Green, and Robert Speckert.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice.

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