1931-2024
Robert Duvall Warren, of Buena Vista, Colorado, passed away on November 18, 2024, at his home. He was born on December 20, 1931, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the son of Thomas Bernard and Mary (Hood) Warren. Bob’s life began as a miraculous story. Born not breathing, he was revived by Dr. Duvall of Hutchinson, an event that inspired his middle name and set the course for a remarkable 93-year journey. Bob has lived in Colorado since the mid-1990s, previously residing in St. Elmo, Colorado, as well as Derby and Sterling, Kansas. He graduated from Sterling High School and later attended Kansas State University and NRS. On June 6, 1964, he married Zelma Irene Rust in Derby, Kansas, marking the beginning of a loving partnership. Bob served in both the United States Navy Reserves and the United States Army. He attended Navy boot camp alongside his close friend Charlie, but quickly realized that life aboard a sub-chaser was not suited for him. In transitioning to the Army, he found his calling and developed a lifelong passion for the service. Bob started working at a young age delivering milk on a bicycle from his parents’ dairy. He often spoke fondly of his time working at his grandparents’ ranch or at his parents’ dairy. Bob worked at Boeing going back and forth between Wichita and Seattle in the engineering department and for the KDOL. A highlight for his family was watching him deliver wheat harvest reports on the evening news in the 1980s. After retirement, Bob’s restlessness led him to volunteer with the United States Forest Service, a role that evolved into employment and became an important part of his life. He worked well into his 80s, driving thousands of miles patrolling in the San Isabel National Forest. His deep love for the forest and wildlife was evident in his many rescues, which included cats, dogs, and even an owl—the latter requiring a tetanus shot after a wild drive to the zoo. Bob was a loyal and passionate man, known for his vibrant personality and unbelievable perseverance. He was thankful for his friend Bruce and their friendship that brought him closer to Jesus. He loved his family deeply and would defend them regardless of the consequences. The birth of his granddaughter, Marie, was a transformative moment in his life, forging a bond that changed him forever. He shared his love, stories, and wisdom openly with his family, creating deep and lasting bonds. His adventures across Europe left a profound mark on him, and he delighted in recounting those memories, especially with his family as they followed in his footsteps around the world. He found great joy during his time in Signal Corps and his stories of Cold War Berlin and the Berlin Conference were amazing and he was tickled that his granddaughter was born in the city he liked so much. Until his last days Bob was still walking in the forest, on the floor of the garage with his son working on old Jeeps and “busting snow drifts” as he called it in his M-38. Bob was a longtime member of the Presbyterian Church, Ferrari Club of America, Military Vehicle Preservation Association, and the American Legion. He is survived by his wife, Zelma Warren of Buena Vista, CO; his son, Thomas Robert Warren, and wife Amanda of Buena Vista, CO; and his granddaughter, Marie Zelma Warren of Buena Vista, CO and Dolní Újezd, Czech Republic. He was preceded in death by his parents. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with Pastor Rob Bolton officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling, Kansas, with military honors by the United States Army—Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. until service time with family present. Memorial contributions may be made to Ark Valley Humane Society, Buena Vista, CO or Kansas State University Cancer Research in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.
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