Cody Merle Warden was born Oct. 31, 1972, in Fremont to Gary and Sue Ann (Story) Warden.

Cody grew up in Fremont and Imperial, and graduated from Fremont High School in 1991. After high school, Cody stayed in Fremont to attend Midland Lutheran College, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in marketing in 1996. As a young boy, Cody enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, and football, singing and playing pool.

Cody married Darbi Lee Davis on Aug. 9, 1997, at the First Christian Church in Fremont, and to this union, two daughters were born; Kylie Kathryn and Mackenzie Riann. The family has made their home in Elkhorn.

Cody worked as a sales executive for Capital Business Systems. He liked all genres of music, and knew the words to every song. His favorites were “Love on the Rocks” and “Wild Thing.” Cody liked all kinds of movies, especially “Tombstone.” He loved food, especially a good steak or dinner at Kobe or Johnny’s, and was known to sip an iced tea or cold Busch Light on occasion. He was a huge fan of the Huskers and the Chicago Bears.

Cody had many favorite sayings, but would often be heard saying, “alright, alright, alright.” He hated fake people, liars, cheaters, and indecisiveness. Cody had an outgoing personality, a contagious smile and laugh, loved to tell jokes, and was not afraid to speak his mind. He loved going golfing, or singing karaoke, watching sporting events, going to concerts, and hunting. He cherished his girls’ activities, and spending time with family and friends.

Cody will be remembered as a loyal, quick-witted, ornery, big-hearted, and loving man. He was a great and fun person, who was always up for a good time. He would talk to everyone, and was always there when needed. He had a heartfelt passion for Leap-For-A-Cure and Brain Cancer Awareness. Cody had a large, diverse group of friends, and all of his family and friends were special to him, but he was most proud of his marriage and the love he had for Darbi, Kylie, and Mackenzie.

Cody died at his home in Elkhorn on June 17, 2017, at the age of 44 years, 7 months, and 17 days. He was preceded in death by his father, Gary M. Warden; grandparents, Merle and Kathryn Warden, Fay & Marjorie Story; stepfather, Darryl Moore; cousins, Alex Lamme and Brad Story; uncle, Joel Story; and aunt, Rhoda Story.

Cody is survived by his loving wife, Darbi, and their daughters, Kylie and Mackenzie of Elkhorn; mother, Sue Moore of Imperial; brothers and sisters-in-law, Scott and Phyllis Parker of Omaha and David and Tammi Parker of Imperial; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The funeral will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at CityLight Church Omaha, 4383 Nicholas St. Private inurnment at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home in Elkhorn. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Leap-For-A-Cure. Condolences to www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com.

Published in the Fremont Tribune on June 19, 2017.