Donald E. Warren, Jr.

Donald E. Warren Jr., lover of God, family, Country, and the Rocky Mountains, passed away surrounded by his family on August 20, 2025, at Ridgeview Nursing Home in Oblong, IL, at the age of 72. Born on September 4, 1952, in Palestine, IL, he grew up in Robinson before moving to Colorado in 1969. Just a few years later, from 1972 to 1974, he served proudly in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, CA. Following his time in the service, he chose to remain out west, drawn to vast skies and mountain air. He lived for several years in Caribou County, ID, and built a career as a truck driver that spanned 31 years. From behind the wheel of his rig, Don traveled the open highways and took in the beauty of God’s Country. When he wasn’t in a truck, he often took to the road on his 1978 Goldwing motorcycle, enjoying life on two wheels.

In 1989, Don returned to Robinson, where he would make his home for the rest of his life. Though rooted again in Illinois, he never lost his love of the outdoors and adventure. He found joy in fishing, primitive camping, hunting, and shooting. A man of creative talents, he was a gifted scrimshander and a skilled artist, expressing himself through detailed carvings and drawings. He, perhaps unsurprisingly, also held a fondness for westerns, a reflection of his rugged and pioneering spirit.

But it was his faith that guided Don’s life. A devoted Pentecostal Christian, he lived with unwavering belief and commitment to his Lord and Savior. In his later years, he was a faithful member of Dayspring Christian Fellowship Church, where Sundays found him worshipping the One who has now welcomed him home with open arms.

He is survived by his sons & daughter-in-law, Matthew & Jill Warren and Justin Warren; by his beloved grandchildren, Vanessa, Megan, Kelly, Owen, Jacob, Annadea, Ethyn, Caitlyn, and Zayne; his brother, Kevin; his sister & brother-in-law, Vickie & Jim, and their daughters Jami and Tracy; and by his former wife and lifetime friend, Becky Warren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Warren, Sr. & Edith (Lamb) Warren.

Don was cremated, and the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson assisted the family with these arrangements. A family-guided visitation will be held from 4:00–5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, at Dayspring Christian Fellowship Church, 14423 N. Trimble Rd., Robinson (Trimble). A service celebrating Don’s life will follow at 5:00 p.m. at the church. The family invites all to “come as you are, just as he knew you.” Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, with donations accepted through the link provided below.