Dallas Murl Warrum

Dallas Murl Warrum
Sun City, Florida - Dallas Murl Warrum of Sun City Center, Florida, died on July 7, 2021, at the age of 81, but his larger-than-life persona, trademark $50 words and all day breakfast meetings will not be forgotten.
He was born on February 19, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
He was the son of the late Granville Murl and Ellena Lucille (Carlton) Warrum.
Affectionately known as "Big D" or "Santa Claus" by his family, friends and many children throughout several cities in the United States (Tot to Teen, Advia Credit Union, Circles Waterfront Restaurant and many household parties). He was a proud man of 5 careers including Marketing-Sales, College Professor, Management Consultant, Publishing and produce guru. A tremendous man who quested for knowledge and understanding. He also enjoyed all forms of music, auto racing, sports, and traveling.
Dallas had many loves, He loved his daughters Tricia Warrum-Kennedy (Michael Puzio) and Tammy Holt (Brian) along with his life of 53 years with Elaine Warrum. He took extreme pride in his loving and caring grandson Kiptyn Dallas Holt (10) who affectionately calls him "Gee".
He also loved milk shakes, long conversations, competitive sailing and driving in his convertible yellow Sky.
"Big D" was world-renowned for enjoying "great" rhubarb pie and a firm believer that mustard and pepper belonged on every food group.
He always told you the truth, even if it wasn't what you wanted to hear.
He was generous to a fault, soft hearted, and yet he sugar-coated absolutely nothing. To quote Winston Churchill: "He was a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma."
He fondly reminisced about good friends, and good times at Beech Grove High School in Indiana, Indiana University – Marching 100, receiving his master's degree at Western Michigan University as well as his pride of being the youngest recipient of the Upjohn Award from Upjohn pharmaceutical (1974).
Dallas's greatest joy was owning, operating, and growing Da'Laine Publishing (The Bluffs Times, The Meredosia Budget, The Triopia Tribune and the Jacksonville Area Showcase and Guide) along with Elaine and their daughters.
Upon his retirement Dallas enjoyed working with the customers in the Produce Department at the Shaver Road Meijer in Portage, Michigan.
He was a long-time member of The AMBUCS of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Jacksonville, Illinois, Harmony Lodge #3 in Jacksonville, and The Sun City Center Shrine Club of Sun City Center Florida, where he proudly served two terms as Club President. Dallas was also a member of the Looney's Club in Sun City Center along with his grandson Kiptyn, who was an honorary member.
A Celebration of Life and Masonic Service honoring Dallas will be held at 10am Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Wellspring Community Church, 705 9th Street SE, Ruskin Florida.
Memorial Contributions may be made to The Kiptyn Dallas Holt Education Fund (423 Winterside Drive, Apollo Beach Florida 33572 Attention: Elaine Warrum) or to the Sun City Center Shrine Club (PO Box 5773 Sun City Center, Florida 33573)