Warren Rea Peverill

He came into the world as a special St. Patrick’s Day baby, born on March 17, 1941, in Fresno, California, at the old St. Agnes Hospital to Warren Peverill and Lois Bernice Garrall. He grew up alongside his three siblings, Shirley, George, and Duane.

Shortly after graduating high school, Warren answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Navy in 1959. He proudly served as an Engineman aboard the U.S.S. Helena CA-75, a heavy cruiser, and the fleet flagship. During his time from 1959 to 1962, he traveled the world many times over. A highlight of his naval journey was crossing the equator and participating in the time-honored maritime tradition of transforming from a “pollywog” to a “shellback,” officially joining the royal court of King Neptune.

It was during a fateful two-week leave that Warren’s life changed forever. While water skiing with friends at Bass Lake, he spotted Zoe Horton, who was camping with her family. When her little brother, Nick, asked to go skiing, Warren agreed on one smooth condition: “if you bring your sister.” Zoe didn’t even realize he was a sailor until his leave was nearly up. The connection was undeniable, and following his honorable discharge, the couple married on October 20, 1962. They shared 64 beautiful years of marriage, tackling every life adventure side-by-side.

In his professional life, Warren was known for his steady work ethic. He hired on at Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), where he dedicated 42 years before his well-earned retirement. In 1967, Warren and Zoe bought their first home and began expanding their family, welcoming their son, Eddie, in 1967, and their daughter, Nikki, five years later in 1972.

Warren was a man on immense talent; there was simply nothing he couldn’t build, fix, or restore. His craftmanship knew no bounds—he handcrafted clocks and lamps, built and flew radio-controlled airplanes, and even took to the skies piloting real ones. Later in life, he brought home a 1933 Dodge Deuce Coupe completely disassembled in boxes on a trailer. Through pure skill and patience, he fully restored it into a gorgeous, show-stopping vehicle that went on to win numerous trophies at car shows.

Vehicles were a constant thread through his life. He fondly remembered his classic 1950 Mercury that ran “like a champ, man,” and candy apple green 1958 Corvette. After selling his Dodge Coupe, he returned to his lifelong love for Jeeps. He became a founding member –a “Rebel”—of the D B Off-Roaders Jeep club. He poured his heart into cleaning, clearing, and preserving trails, enjoying countless Jeep runs through the High Sierras until the very end. Warren was a true outdoorsman who loved camping, deer hunting, and fishing, always believing there was nothing better in life than siting around a campfire talking with family and friends.

Warren is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Zoe Peverill; his son, Warren “Eddie” Peverill and daughter-in-law Nancy; and his daughter, Nikki Peverill-Greer. He leaves behind a proud legacy in his five grandchildren: Cheyenne Peverill-Hernandez, Brannon Rea Greer, Wyatt Warren Peverill, Lola Belle Peverill, and Austin Parker Nickolas Greer. He is also survived by his brothers, George Peverill (and wife, Carol) and William Duane Peverill (and wife, Patricia), as well as many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister, Shirley.