Bob was born September 18,1925, in Decatur, Illinois to William and Lucille (McDermott) Warren. Bob proudly served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps, during World War II. The last plane he flew was a B-25. He graduated from the University of Illinois, then began his 43 year career with State Farm Insurance Companies in Bloomington, Illinois as an accountant. Bob quickly transferred to a career in sales as an agent, moving to Dallas, Texas in 1951. It was there that Bob met and married his wife Carol Keller. They were married 65 years.
His career moved their family to Boulder, Colorado; Lincoln, Nebraska; Bloomington, Illinois; and back to Dallas where he assumed the leadership role for the Southwestern Region of State Farm for over 20 years.
Bob’s ability to connect with people on a genuine level, regardless of position, made him a well respected leader and mentor. He had an uncanny ability to remember people’s names, their own life stories and their families. Never one to sit behind a desk, he thrived on interacting with people on a daily basis and had a way of making everyone feel appreciated.
Bob was good at just about everything he tried. He could play the ukulele, sing, remember and recite countless poems, shoot pool with the best, and tell a good story. However, his favorite hobby was playing golf with his many good friends over the years.
He would be the first to say that he led a charmed life. From a Great Depression childhood, he worked hard and achieved so much, yet never took it for granted. He loved and was loved by his family and friends. Bob had a smile for everyone he met.
Bob is survived by his wife, Carol, and their children, Mike Warren (Pat), Pat Warren (Lisa), and Nancy Irwin (Jeff). Also, grandchildren Liz Warren Kydoniefs (Taso), Rachel Warren Hudson (Richard), and Jon (Allix), Drew, Katie and Samantha Warren; and great grandson Leo Kydoniefs. He is also survived by his brothers, Billy and Larry Warren, and his sister, Mary Sue Albright. Bob was predeceased by his daughter, Laura.
A private family memorial service will be held in the coming weeks.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the John Wayne Cancer Institute, at https://california.providence.org/john-wayne/giving/, the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, at www.scottishritehospital.org, or the charity of your choice.
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