Warren Lon “Wally” Lorella, 92, of Festus died Feb. 5, 2015, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson Hospital in Crystal City. Born Aug. 18, 1922, in Chicago, Ill., he was the son of the late Lon and Mary (Walgreen) Lorella. He enjoyed antiques and gardening, and loved animals.
Mr. Lorella had worked as a cutter at Curlee Clothing Co and owned an antique shop in St Louis. He and his partner, Jay Kress, built a house in Antonia and through the years restored several apartments and homes in south St Louis. In 1960 they bought a farm at 5137 Glade Chapel Road in Hillsboro and built a new home and barns, as well as developing the area now known as Kress Farm Garden Preserve. In 1998, with the help of many friends, they formed the Kress Farm Garden Club and in 2000, the farm was donated to Kress Farm Garden Club, with Mr. Lorella having built and donated the new clubhouse.
He is survived by his life partner of 57 years, Jacob “Jay” Kress; and many friends.
Funeral service was held Feb. 9 at Mahn Twin City Chapel in Festus, officiated by Deacon Jerry Stoverink. Burial was in the Shepherd Hills Cemetery in Barnhart. Memorials may be made to Canines In Crisis, 13976 Klondike Road, De Soto, 63020. Arrangements were under the direction of Mahn Twin City Chapel.