Lester Arland "Collie" Warren

Collie was born in Round Rock in 1928, the youngest of nine children born to William Oscar and Cora Glenn Warren. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Priem Warren, for 64 years.

A cherished husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and good friend of many, Collie was a dedicated family man who leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter for those fortunate enough to have shared his life.

Collie and Dorothy met at Quick Pharmacy on Main Street in Round Rock after a friend tipped him off that there was a pretty girl working inside. He introduced himself, started walking her home from work, and the rest is history.

He was a master gardener who took great pride in cultivating nature’s beauty, both in his own yard and those of family and friends who so often looked to him for his special brand of advice and assistance.

Collie loved his Round Rock Dragons, University of Texas Longhorns, Cowboys, Spurs, Texans, all athletics, country music, animals, children, dancing with Dorothy and any opportunity to participate in a sing-along around a piano. But most of all, he loved his family.

A strong man to the end, he could get his hackles up and put on a gruff show, but his family and friends knew he was really a teddy bear who couldn’t keep that big smile hidden very long.

Collie was a top-notch swimmer, who learned to stay afloat at age four when his older siblings tossed him into Brushy Creek in Round Rock. He spent untold hours teaching his children and grandchildren to swim, as well as other youngsters at Brentwood Pool in Austin.

He was a standout Round Rock High School athlete: he played halfback on the Dragon football team, guard on the basketball squad, pitcher for the Dragon baseball team and he ran track and pole vaulted. Collie lettered in all the sports he played and was a fierce competitor. He later participated in Austin City League basketball for several years. He was also a weight lifter who began working out in high school and continued throughout his life.

Collie was a U.S. Navy veteran who proudly served while stationed in San Diego and Key West. He was an employee of the City of Austin Water Department for more than 30 years, and took great pride in helping to keep Austin’s water supply clear and clean.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy, son Ken Warren (Beth), daughter Karen Ray (Rowe), grandchildren Jessica Dietert (Cliff), Emily Ray (Adam Thornsley), Rachel Ellis and Nick Warren; great-grandchildren Taylor Dietert and Lindsay Dietert; and Sherry Grona, whom he loved like a daughter. He is also survived by siblings: Glenn Warren (May), Lawrence Warren, Bo Warren, Beth McDonald; and numerous nieces, nephews and family friends.

Grateful and special thanks to caregiver, Rebecca Walters of Personal Caregivers, and Pam Esclante. R.N. of Austin Home Health, for their care.

He is preceded in death by siblings: Harold Warren, Horace Warren, Cora Blanche Warren, and Mary Opal McCann.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at Cook Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Memorial Hill.

Please visit Collie’s memorial page at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com.