William Warren

December 18, 1936

- — TRAVERSE CITY - William David Warren, 73, of Traverse City, formerly of Grand Blanc, passed away following a 15-year struggle with Parkinson's Disease. Bill was born on Dec. 18, 1936, in Texarkana, Ark. He graduated from Ashdown High School in Ashdown, Ark. In 1955 he joined the United States Navy and served as a submariner for four-and-a-half years. After his honorable discharge he enrolled in the Art Education program at Henderson State College in Arkadelphia, Ark., and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education. He worked as an art instructor with the Blytheville, Ark., School District for two years then moved north as an Art Consultant and Instructor for K-12 education with Grand Blanc Public Schools. He taught drawing and painting, jewelry and pottery for 32 years. While working on his master's degree in art education at University of Michigan (Flint), he turned to fostering his passion in aviation by earning certification as a private pilot and then adding multi-engine, seaplane and flight instructor ratings. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the Civil Air Patrol. He also served in the Michigan Army National Guard (Flint and Grayling posts) for over 20 years. Bill is survived by his wife, Nancy Bregi Warren; daughter, Sarah Warren and daughter, Anne Warren Rush; son-in-law, Ben; grandson, Noah; and cousin, Ann Reed and her family of Conway, Ark. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Louise (Fortune) Peterson and David Warren. A private family service has been held with Reverend David Gabel (Bethlehem Lutheran Church, retired) officiating. Inurnment will take place on Mackinac Island. Special thanks is extended to the outstanding staff on the Elm corridor at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. Their compassionate care eased Bill and his family through the last two-and-a-half years. Memorial contributions may be made in Memory of William Warren to: The Grand Traverse Area Parkinson's Support Group, PO Box 5724, Traverse City, Michigan 49686-5724 or Northwestern Michigan College Aviation Scholarship, 1701 E. Front Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49686. Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.