Charles Warren
Funeral service for Charles Arlin Warren, 87, of Lamesa, Texas will be held at the First Baptist Church of Lamesa on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Jon Warren officiating and Pastor Jim Medley assisting. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Branon Funeral Home.
Charles Arlin Warren spent 87 years on this earth loving his family, seeking the Lord, doing His work, and pointing others to Him. On May 13th, 2024, when he stepped into the loving arms of Jesus, heaven erupted in music, joy, and celebration.
Charles Arlin Warren was born on October 23, 1936, in Dawson County as the youngest of nine children to Robert and Jewel Warren. He grew up on his family’s homestead where he learned to farm, treat others fairly, laugh and love deeply. In high school he drove the rural route in the old Union area to and from school in Lamesa. He graduated from Lamesa High School in 1955.
He married his dearest wife and companion of 66 years, Mary Duronell Phillips, on June 8,1957 at First Baptist Church in Lamesa and together they built a beautiful family that welcomed Kelli Belinda, Jody Phil, and Jon Mark. Charles worked diligently as a cotton producer in Dawson and Gaines County and later as a partner in King Mesa Gin. He loved farming with his brother Bobby Warren, Jerry Harris, and cherished all his farming friends and partners. Charles operated his business from the philosophy that fair wasn’t quite good enough. He always made sure that the other person came out better in the deal. He believed in giving an extra measure of his time, his heart, and his blessings.
Charles left a beautiful legacy of faith in the hearts of his family. He led with a quiet example that spoke volumes and a joy that came from knowing the Lord. His faith sustained him through good and bad crops and the loss of so many he loved dearly. He came to know the Lord at 12 years old at Sands Baptist Church and was baptized as a newlywed at First Baptist Andrews in 1957. As a dedicated member of First Baptist Church Lamesa, he served faithfully as a deacon for decades. He impacted many lives through his deeds, generosity, encouragement, and example.
Although he had a sharp wit and a quick smile, he often chose to watch and listen. He might have said fewer words and told fewer jokes, but they always landed. Charles listened with purpose. He took great joy in quietly meeting the needs that he would hear and observe.
Whether you knew him as Charles, Charlie, Daddy, Papa, Papacita or Mr. Charles, he prayed for you, rooted for you and was happiest watching YOU succeed. The biggest dreams he ever had were never for himself.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, siblings, his dear son Jody Warren and granddaughter, Sandy Warren.
He is survived by his wife, Duronell Warren of Lamesa and his children, Kelli (Warren) Matlock and husband Mark Matlock of Lamesa and Jon Warren and wife Meggan of Portland, Texas. Charles leaves eight grandchildren who love him dearly: Keith Matlock and his wife Melissa, Morgan (Matlock) Hightower and her husband Heath, Lexi (Warren) Bell and her husband Josh, Tyler Matlock and his wife Mindy, Jake Warren and his wife Sasha, Heath Warren, and Audrey (Warren) Scott and her husband Paden. Charles was blessed with 10 great grandchildren who will carry him in their hearts. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Honoring Charles as pallbearers: Keith Matlock, Tyler Matlock, Jake Warren, Heath Warren, Mark Matlock, Josh Bell, Heath Hightower, Jackie Warren, and Paden Scott.
Charles Warren will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, unwavering faith, kind nature and abundant love. He lived his life in such a way that his family will speak his name proudly for many generations to come.
For those wishing to honor Charles’ life with a memorial, the family suggests donations be made to the First Baptist Church Lamesa building fund, 801 S. 1st St. Lamesa, Texas 79331.
To send condolences online, please visit: www.branonfuneralhome.com