David “Lee” Warren, 87, passed away on October 18, 2018, in his home in Middletown, MD after a hard-fought battle with cancer. All services will be held at the Christ Reformed United Church of Christ in Middletown, MD. Visitation with the family will be held from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, Oct. 26. His funeral service will be on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 10 am. followed by internment at church cemetery.
Lee is preceded in death by his father and mother, David Sandoe and Thelma Mable, and his brothers, Gerald and Donald. He is survived by Deanie, his cherished wife of 66 years, and his four children: Jenny (Terry) Carnahan of Boonsboro, MD; Vickie (Dale) Biggs of Frederick, MD; David M. (Camille) Warren of Kennesaw, GA; and Daniel (Jill) Warren also of Kennesaw, GA. Lee is known affectionately as Pappaw to his nine grandchildren (Sarah, Nick, Katie, Lauren, Emma, Anna, Luke, Isabelle and Gabriel) and three great-grandchildren (Gavin, Lucas and Finley), with two more on the way. He also is survived by two brothers, Wayne and Kirby Warren, and three sisters, Lorraine Hess, Janice Bartles and Carolyn Bingaman.
Lee was born on July 19, 1931, and raised in Greencastle, PA, by parents who modeled Christian discipleship and a healthy work ethic. He was serving in the U.S. Navy when he and Deanie were married on August 17, 1952, in Hagerstown, MD. Lee was honorably discharged in 1955 after four years of service. After leaving the Navy, he embarked on a distinguished career with Potomac Edison Co. and, in the evenings, earned an associate’s degree in Accounting from Hagerstown Junior College under the GI Bill. Lee retired from Potomac Edison in 1995 after a 40-year career. Remarkably, he only took four sick days during his tenure. Additionally, Lee’s friendly smile was well-known at the Fountaindale Exxon station. Shortly after moving to Middletown in 1968, Lee was asked by a friend to come “help” at the grand opening of the station where he continued to work part-time for over 20 years. Lee was also a member of Potomac Edison Forerunners and served a term as president.
Lee was dedicated to God and his church. He served at Christ Reformed United Church of Christ in Middletown faithfully and tirelessly for 50 years. Over the years, he put his woodworking skills to use on many projects for the church, participated in numerous mission trips to Honduras, helped to build several Habitat for Humanity homes, and was a beloved greeter at the door.
Lee was devoted to his wife and family. Lee and Deanie found great joy in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and they enjoyed many adventures together. They were avid square dancers for many years, and enjoyed countless weekends spent camping and boating with family and friends along the Potomac River. After retirement, Lee and Deanie enjoyed cross-country trips, exploring the countryside on his Honda Gold Wing Motorcycle.
Lee could do or fix almost anything and was particularly fond of woodworking and turning. But he never enjoyed anything more than working with and helping a friend.
We miss you, we thank God for you, and we love you, Pappaw.
Donald B. Thompson Funeral Home, Middletown, is in charge of arrangements.