Dr. Douglas Delano Warren passed away peacefully at home with his wife of 61 years by his side Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 83 years old.
Born Aug. 2, 1940, Doug met the love of his life, Lydia Lee Harley, at Claytor Lake State Park while he was “studying” with fellow Virginia Tech students who had been friends since childhood. He and Lydia married in 1963 and lovingly raised three sons. As a young father, Doug gave his life to Jesus Christ who always remained his Lord and Master.
Most of Doug’s childhood was spent in Blacksburg, and he graduated from Blacksburg High School in 1958. Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech, Doug began his long teaching career instructing math, English, and blueprint reading. While teaching both day and night classes to support his family, Doug pursued his master’s degree, also from Virginia Tech. He then accepted the opportunity to further his education with a doctoral degree in Vocational Administration at Auburn University.
Doug was respected by many in the community beginning with his service to the area’s students through his career with New River Community College. He began as one of six faculty members at New River Vocational-Technical School, served as Chief Executive Officer in the transition as it developed into the community college, eventually serving as a dean until his retirement in 1996. His service to the community didn’t end there, as he also served on the Pulaski County Planning Commission (1986-2021), Pulaski County Public Service Authority (2003-2020), New River Valley Resource Commission (2010-2024), the Board of Directors for the Pulaski County Fair, and as an integral member and technician of the sound board at First Baptist Church of Radford. He served people beyond his own community on mission trips to South Dakota and Czech Republic, and on the Virginia Baptist Disaster Relief Team, serving as a lead kitchen chief in disaster-stricken areas such as Brooklyn, N.Y.; Toronto, Canada; Punta Gordo, Fla.; Picayune, Miss., and several locations in W.V.
Beyond his career and service, Doug was a man of many talents and hobbies. He built his own home in Snowville, Va., known to many for the pick-your-own Blueberry Hill Farm – bushes he planted over 40 years ago. He learned to weave, filling their home with beautiful rugs. Never one to sit still, Doug could play an assortment of musical instruments: piano, guitar, autoharp, banjo, harp, violin, trumpet, and clarinet. Always an adventurer, he completed a cross-country bicycle trek from Seattle, Wash. to Asbury Park, N.J., and he was co-owner and pilot of a small plane, with which he enjoyed flying family and friends to various parts of the country.
Doug is preceded in death by his parents and two grandsons, Bryson Hall and Jacob Pedigo. He is survived by his loving wife, Lydia Warren; three sons, Douglas “Rusty” Warren, Jr. (Shanda), Brandon Warren (Jill), and Travis Warren (Sarah); six grandchildren, Colleen Warren Bays (Robert), Victoria Pedigo, Ben Warren, Bergren Cliff, Elliott Pedigo (Shelby), and Phoebe Warren; great-granddaughter, Adalynn Pedigo; and sister, Joyce Ellis (Chris).
A celebration of life is scheduled for today, Saturday, June 29 at First Baptist Church in Radford, at the corner of Third and Downey St. The family will receive visitors from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dr. Douglas D. Warren Endowed Scholarship fund at New River Community College. Contributions may be made online (www.nr.edu/giveonline) or by mail (New River Community College, Educational Foundation, 5251 College Drive, Dublin VA 24084). Please reference “Doug Warren” on your gift.
The Warren family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
