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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.