Thelma "Lorene" Gladden

Thelma “Lorene” Gladden was born on April 25, 1941, in Arlington, Phelps County, Missouri, to the late James Franklin Crossland and Thelma Irene (Smith) Crossland. She spent her formative years in the Waynesville, Missouri area, where she attended school and began building the foundation for a life filled with faith, family, and service. On September 2, 1956, Lorene married Carl Leo Gladden. Their union lasted over 66 years, filled with love and devotion, until Carl’s passing on November 13, 2022. During their marriage, Lorene and Carl were blessed with four children: Leo, Linda, Calvin, and Kenny. Lorene dedicated many years of her life working as a secretary for Havin Concrete before moving on to serve as a cook for the Waynesville R-VI School District. She took great pleasure in caring for the children who passed through the cafeteria, cherishing her role in their daily lives. Above all, her most treasured occupations were those of wife, mother, and grandmother, and she valued the time spent with her loved ones. Outside of her professional life, Lorene enjoyed spending time outdoors tending to her flowers and garden and watching hummingbirds. She possessed remarkable skill in handcrafts, creating beautiful pieces through sewing, quilting, and macrame. Lorene’s love for cooking was evident in the meals she prepared for her family and at church gatherings. On November 28, 1971, Lorene made a life-changing decision by accepting Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and being baptized. She joined the Deerlick Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful member until her health declined. Lorene passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the age of 84, in her daughter’s home surrounded by her loving family in Waynesville, Missouri. Her passing marked the end of a life devoted to faith, family, and caring for others. Lorene is survived by her four children: Leo Gladden (Susie) of St. Robert, MO; Linda Chadwell (Larry) of Waynesville, MO; Calvin Gladden (Marcia) of Waynesville, MO; and Kenny Gladden (Vanita) of St. Robert, MO. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Amanda Davis (Jason), Shauna Upperman (Alex), Chrystal Curtis (Tim), Earlene Rich (Aaron), Laura Smith (Travis), Steven Gladden, and Danielle Hopwood (Brian); twelve great-grandchildren: Klayton, Jake, Katie, Truett, August, Percy, Sarah, Eva, Lily, Winston, Frank, and Gideon; and one great-great grandchild, Kennedy. Her surviving siblings include Loretta (Crossland) Nuttle (George), Sue (Crossland) Bowman, and Donna (Crossland) Roberts, along with her sister-in-law Betty Crossland. Lorene also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Lorene was preceded in death by one great-grandson: Oceanus Curtis; four brothers: Leroy, Richard, Ray, and John Crossland, and two sisters: Kay (Crossland) Rose and Mary Ann Crossland. Although Lorene is no longer with us, her strong faith and enduring love for her family will remain in our hearts forever. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2026 in the Deerlick Baptist Church of Waynesville, Missouri with Lorene's two sons: Calvin Gladden and Leo Gladden officiating. The songs "In the Garden" was sung by Chrystal Curtis, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" was sung by Amanda Davis, and "It Is Well with My Soul" was sung by Danielle Hopwood. The congregation sang "O Come Angel Band" and "I'll Fly Away". Serving as Steve Gladden, Tim Curtis, Aaron Rich, Travis Smith, Alex Upperman, Jason Davis, Brian Hopwood, and Jake Davis. Burial followed in the Idumea Cemetery of Laquey, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Lorene Gladden to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Thelma "Lorene" Gladden

April 25, 1941 - January 11, 2026