Robert Hughes Warren

Robert Hughes Warren, MD, passed away on April 20, 2026, at the age of 84 in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Warren was born on July 6, 1941, in Beebe, Arkansas, to Robert Lee Warren and Mildred Harleston Warren, both of whom preceded him in death.

After graduating from high school in Beebe, he attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and subsequently earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock from which he graduated with honors. Dr. Warren completed his residency in Pediatrics at the Confederate Memorial Medical Center, now Ochsner LSU Health, in Shreveport, Louisiana with additional subspecialty training at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and Chicago. He then returned to Little Rock where he devoted his professional life to academic medicine as a member of the faculty in the Department of Pediatrics at UAMS and as a physician at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Over the course of his distinguished career, he served as Professor and Chief of the Pulmonary Medicine Section in the Department of Pediatrics at UAMS, as well as Medical Director of Pediatric Pulmonary Services at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. His clinical work was centered on the care of children with cystic fibrosis and, in later years, on the complex respiratory needs of ventilator-dependent children, including those with neurodisabilities. Among his many accomplishments was the remarkable growth of the ACH Respiratory Therapy Department—from two full-time respiratory therapists to more than 134 staff—making it one of the largest pediatric respiratory therapy programs in the country.

Dr. Warren was honored throughout his career for his clinical excellence and service, including receiving the Ruth Olive Beall Award, presented annually to a physician at Arkansas Children’s Hospital who exemplifies dedication to patient care and service. He was also deeply respected by residents and medical students for his mentorship and commitment to teaching. Dr. Warren will be remembered for his steadfast dedication, sound clinical judgment, and unwavering commitment to the children and families entrusted to his care. His contributions left a lasting imprint on his institution and the many lives he touched.

While medicine was his life’s work, Robert was also devoted to his family. On August 7th, 1966, he married Tommie Marie Dalby. Their marriage and unwavering dedication to each other spanned almost 60 years. Though raised in the Southern Baptist tradition, he later embraced the Catholic faith, which became a meaningful source of guidance and comfort in his life.

In addition to his wife, Robert is survived by his daughter, Ann Marie Warren and her husband, Alan Leslie Jones, of Dallas, Texas; his son, Mark Richard Warren and his wife, Amanda Elizabeth Warren, of Mansfield, Texas; his granddaughters, Madison Rose Warren of Fort Worth, Texas, and Megan Dalby Warren of Nashville, Tennessee; and his sister, Rosie Warren Alexander of Highland Village, Texas.

He will be interred at the Crestlawn Memorial Cemetery in Conway, Arkansas, with a private family service.