Warren Giss passed away Saturday, March 7, 2020, at the age of 80. Although he would have preferred to postpone this inevitability, he could hardly complain. God granted him a good long run, and he left without any major regrets. He is preceded in death by his mother, Helen Begner Giss; and his father, Vernon Jacob Giss of Chicago whom he admired and respected deeply. He was happily married to Cynthia Jean McDonald of Little Rock for 58 years until his death.
Warren was born on February 12, 1940, in Highland Park Hospital, in a suburb of Chicago. After several moves, his family settled in Little Rock when he was 11. His first job was delivering the Arkansas Democrat when he was 14.
He attended Columbia Military Academy at 15 following his older brother, Robert Giss, which he remarked later was not one of his better ideas. After Columbia Military Academy, he attended Georgia Tech and the University of Arkansas graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. With his new degree and young bride in tow, he moved to Fort Worth to work on the F-111 at General Dynamics and LTV. While there, he obtained a masters degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
His career took him to Shreveport before finally settling in Fort Smith in 1988 to work for AOG as Director of Budgets. Since retiring, he traveled extensively with his wife Cynthia and his children and grandchildren.
Warren was a member of Downtown Rotary and Noon Civics Club. He attended First United Methodist Church and was an active member of the Discussion Class.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia McDonald Giss; his daughters, Pamela Giss and husband Bernd Ruschmeyer and Amy Giss Elberson and husband Eric; grandchildren, Patrick Thomas Elberson and Matthew Warren Elberson; his brother, Robert Giss and wife Helen; his sister, Karen Morrical and husband John; his brother, Richard Giss and wife Debby; his sister-in-law, Susan McDonald Provosty and husband Albin; and countless nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held at 11 AM, Friday, March 13, 2020 at First United Methodist Church, Roebuck Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Almost Home Shelter in Van Buren, www.almosthomeshelter.org (479.922.3647), First United Methodist Church, 200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901, or a charity of your choice.
