Warren C. Steitz

Warren Chester Steitz went to be with his Lord, joining his beloved wife, Vi, on Saturday, December 31, 2011. Warren was born December 14, 1921, in Fresno, California, to John Conrad and Amelia Steitz. After graduating from Fresno High School, he attended Fresno State College before enlisting in the Army Air Corps. During his four years of service he attained the rank of Captain, flying as Group Bombardier/Navigator on B-17’s in the Eighth Air Force over Europe. He flew thirty missions out of England, and earned numerous medals and commendations.

Upon his discharge from the service, Warren returned to Fresno, where he met and married Viletta Petersen in 1945. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage and lived in six states, from California to Texas. Warren was always an active leader and servant in his community and church, most recently at Second Baptist, where he served as a deacon and was active in the Prayer Ministry and Winning Walk. A 32nd Degree Mason, he also volunteered at Memorial Hermann Hospital Southwest.

He is survived by his three children, Constance Elaine Fox and her former husband, Meredith Fox, Houston, Texas; David Alan Steitz and his wife Sandra Griffith Steitz, Houston, Texas; William Warren Steitz and his wife, Margaret Jacobson Steitz, Denver, Colorado. Grandchildren: Todd Christian Fox and his wife, Ana Ferragut Fox, Katy, Texas; Emily Randle and her husband, Joshua Lee Randle, The Woodlands, Texas; Conrad Griffith Steitz and his wife, Caitlin Alexander, Austin, Texas; David Matthew Steitz, Houston, Texas. Great-grandchildren: Julia Belle Randle and Jaeger Lee Randle, The Woodlands, Texas.

The family would like to thank the Administration and all the Staff of Park Manor Cy-Fair for their kind and gracious care of Vi and Warren.

A private burial with military honors will be held at Forest Park Westheimer, followed by a celebration of his life for family and friends at the chapel of Second Baptist Church, Woodway, Houston, Texas, at 2 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2012. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Second Baptist Church Mission Fund, 6400 Woodway Drive, Houston, Texas 77057.