Warren D. Wakefield

Died peacefully with his children at his side at 6:28 am February 5, 2023

Born January 4, 1935, in Grassy Butte North Dakota, where he lived his early childhood. In 1949 his parents moved their family to Longview Washington. Drafted in the United States Army in 1957, he retired in 1995, giving 37 years of service to our country. Living in Longview he met, Martha Carole Fittro. They were married in 1957 to 1973. They had 3 children, Lyle David, Darryl Lynn, and Deanna Lea. After several military deployments, he settled his family in Olympia WA in 1969. He married Shirley Anne Farr in 1974 to 1982, with stepsons Jerald Alan Sinks and James Edward Sinks.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Earl Orin, and Marry Lou Wakefield. Nine of Eleven siblings, and Two of Eleven grandchildren, Heather Lynn Jennings and Khowkong Kaewpanya.

He is survived by his older brother, Edwin Edward Wakefield of Longview WA, and his younger brother, James Lee Wakefield of Longview WA. His children, Lyle David & Cindy Lou Wakefield of Yakima WA, Darryl Lynn & Uthumporn Oar Wakefield of Olympia WA, and Deanna Lea & Ian Michael Lowe of Banks OR. Also a young child he helped raise, Rachel Haller of Loveland CO. Nine of Eleven grandchildren Stephanie (Andy) Krahenbuhl, Melissa (Thomas) Benscoter, Amie (Chris) Gerphiede, Allen (Amber) Wakefield, Dasha Wakefield, DeeJay (Jared) Rue, Drew Pickar, Sophia Lowe, Isabel (Todd) Mace, Ellis Lowe. Along with 21 great grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, that he loved dearly.

After his military career Warren worked and then retired from the Washington State Department of Social Services, supervising the warrants and mail room divisions.

Dad seemed a rough and tuff guy, (he actually was when he needed to be, hence the nick name Punch) but he had a large heart, right to the end and would help anybody in need. Dad loved kids. Dad was a collector of many things including, but not limited to cars, guns, motorcycles, coins, pictures, and tools. Dad loved to camp, hunt, fish, and boat, he loved the outdoors. Dad was a Decorated Soldier, a great gun smith and engraver, auto and diesel mechanic, mason, great horse trainer, Paraplane pilot, metal worker and carpenter. He could also widdle like you wouldn’t believe, like chains, swivels and dice out of dried sticks. He also built his kids and grandkids numerous doll houses, racetracks, cradles, toy guns and other toys. Not too many people knew this, but he was also a good artist and cartoonist. He was definitely a jack of all trades. In AA he was known as a great sponsor and supporter of friends of Bill. One of his most prized possessions was his ability to help his kids and grandkids, like helping Dave build a log home, help sending kids to school, financially and so on. He taught his kids and step kids, a great work ethic, honesty, and to stand up and fight for what’s right. He would say from time to time…..not bad for an eighth grade educated plow boy from North Dakota…….

There will be a grave side service in Tumwater WA starting noon Friday February 24th at Olympic Memorial Veterans Cemetery (Mills and Mills) with a Celebration of Life starting at 3:00-8:00 Friday February 24th at the Kelso/Longview Elks Club.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Carole Fittro, Lori Mendoza, Jonathan Bolender and Denise Houck for their friendship and care given to our dad. As well as Advanced Health Care for their exceptional home care.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name, to the Boys and Girls Club of America.