George Warren

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, George Warren made a significant impact in the lives of everyone he met. He was outgoing, easy to talk to, and a stranger to no one with a love for life that was contagious. A devoted family man, George deeply loved his wife and children, and he was so proud to witness his family tree blossom to include the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who made him so very proud. A longtime resident of the community he loved, he was so much fun to be around. Although he will be deeply missed, George leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever treasure.

The year 1929 is often remembered as the year that the crash of the stock market sent our nation and much of the world spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression. Although the 1920s were prosperous, the 1930s were a much different story as there were countless Americans unable to find work who lost their homes as a result. It was also in 1929 that Donald and Beulah (Sprague) Warren were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as winter held the city of Plainwell, Michigan, firmly in its grip in February that year. The big day finally arrived on February 22nd when the baby boy they named George Eugene drew his first breath.

In many ways George was a young boy of his generation. He was one of two children in his family as he was raised in Comstock alongside his sister, Donna. George’s father worked as a truck driver while his mother was a bookbinder at Mastercraft. His father was also a musician as he played the piano and had his own orchestra. George enjoyed singing and played both the trombone and the piano. From the time he was a young boy music was part of his soul. Even as an adult he enjoyed singing in the choir at church for years. As a student at local schools, George was in the school band, was a member of the glee club, and played both football and basketball. He went on to graduate from Comstock High School in 1947. In 1950, George joined the Army, serving in the engineer battalion with the aviation division. He was also a graduate of Ferris State University.

New and exciting changes were in store for George when he met the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Nancy Hill, and they met in Kalamazoo while he was cruising with a group of guys. It was love at first sight, and the rest is history as they say. With a desire to establish a life together, George and Nancy were married on November 24, 1951, at St. Augustine Church in Kalamazoo. Together they welcomed seven children including Jerry, Tom, Dave, Ken, Bill, Sally, and Jack into their hearts and home. Their house in Parchment was always a bustle of activity, and it was truly a home as it was filled with plenty of kindness, understanding, and unconditional love. They also enjoyed summer fun at Crooked Lake in Delton. Both homes were the backdrop for countless priceless memories over the years.

Throughout his life there was nothing of greater significance to George than his family. He was an amazing father, and although he had high expectations of his children and could be stern when needed, they always knew that they were deeply loved. The family loved taking vacations in the camper that had once been an old school bus including their unforgettable trip to the 1967 Expo in Montreal when they fell just a little short of their intended destination. George and Nancy raised their children in the Catholic Church as the Catholic faith was vitally important to George from the moment he converted. For years George was an active member of St. Ambrose Parish.

As their children grew older and established their own families, George was thrilled. He always looked forward to times when everyone was all together. For a time they hosted a foreign exchange student, Astrid, and they always considered her to be a part of the family. Over the years George and Nancy kept in touch with her and even visited her in Germany. To support his family, he always worked in transportation with the final 17 years of his career being spent in the transportation division at Upjohn. He always liked his job. Once their children were grown, George and Nancy took several chartered bus trips with church friends to places such as West Virginia, Maine, and Branson, Missouri. As Nancy grew older and began suffering with Alzheimer’s disease, George was always so patient with her and took excellent care of her as well. For several years he and his wife wintered in Texas, but they always looked forward to coming back home so they could be close to their family again. Their 50th anniversary was one of the best days of George’s life.

George maintained an active lifestyle. He was active in the athletic boosters in Parchment and also worked chain gang at football. George was an avid golfer who could golf anywhere. At times we was known to golf four times a week as long as the weather allowed! George liked Mexican food, pineapple upside down cake, and a good glass of wine. He was an avid Notre Dame fan and was an animal lover who always had a pet.

All who knew George Warren would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was hardworking and honest with a strong moral compass that anchored the way he lived his life. It has been said that George was a social butterfly, and he treasured his family with every breath he took. Deeply loved, he will never be forgotten.

George Eugene Warren, of Comstock, died on Tuesday, December 29, 2015. George’s family includes his wife Nancy; 7 children: Jerry, Tom, Dave, Ken, Bill (Jamie), Sally (Eric) Alexander, and Jack; 7 grandchildren: Brandon, Jennifer, Christin, Michael, Ashleigh, Ben, and Jake, 3 great-grandchildren: Jaymeson, Payton, Brogan; and sister, Donna (Jack) Gray. Learn more about George and visit with his family and friends on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo. (375-2900) A Prayer Service will be held at 5 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1628 East G Ave, Parchment. Burial will be in the East Cooper Cemetery. Please visit George’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his guestbook. Contributions may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic Church.