Devon "Smut" Warren

Devon "Smut" Warren

Smut Warren, age 82, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 in Reno, Nevada. He was born one of 9 children in Tyhee, Idaho to Aarus and Fern Warren. While living in Pocatello, Idaho his career in boxing became professional with a 10-0 record, all by KO's. In May of 1953 he was slated to fight on two heavy weight Championship cards but his boxing career in the states was put on hold when he was called to serve his country in the Korean War. He served in the 3rd Infantry Division and while in Special Services he was able to resume his boxing career. He fought the Korean Middle Weight Champion and won this title on a 7th round knockout. From there he travelled to the Philippines where he fought the Philippine Middle Weight Champion and won on a decision. Smut donated all proceeds from the fight to buy an artificial leg for a young Korean child. He enjoyed telling stories of being bodyguard for Marilyn Monroe while she was touring with the USO Groups.

Upon returning he continued boxing with success, met and married Velda Dockham in Reno, Nevada and they started a family. It was time to hang up the gloves and pick up the paint brush. He started a successful business as a local painting contractor and was very involved within the community. He looked forward to taking the boat to Pyramid Lake or Lahontan Reservoir for a weekend of waterskiing with family and friends, jeep jamboree's, and of course hunting season.

In 1982 he remarried to June Bevilacqua and they moved to Darby, Montana. His entrepreneurship continued as they owned and operated Warrens Construction Company, and Bunky Ranch Outfitters. They bought the Conner Post Office Building and added a grocery store which was called Smut's Mercantile. Smut served on the Ravalli County Planning Board, The Ravalli County Fair Board, the Hamilton Planning Board, the Montana/Idaho Outfitters Board, Human Resources and was elected to the Ravalli County Commissioners where he served a 6 year term.

He was best known in recent years as "Santa". He was annually given a grant from the Greater Ravalli Foundation, which allowed him to buy school clothes for needy families before the start of school and again at Christmas. He started his "Santa Shoppe" where children could come and have a picture taken on his trusty rein-mule, an antler wearing burro named "Rudy", get a cookie, candy cane, pick out a toy and sit on Santa's lap to whisper their Christmas wish. He delighted young and old alike as he also visited Marcus Daly Hospital and Nursing Homes visiting patients and passing out roses.

Smut was preceded in death by his mother and father, his son, Paul , his brothers, Amos, Norris, Velton, Butch, and his sisters, Delpha, Syble and Colleen. He is survived by his wife, June, Sister, Verda Merkley of Richland, WA, three sons, Randy (Vickie) of Darby, Mt., Dan (Jacqui), Gary (Stacy) Warren and daughter Juile Warren all of Reno, step daughter Laura (John) Walters, step sons, Edward II (Christine) Bevilacqua, Mark (Joy) Bevilacqua, and Bill (Myken) Bevilacqua, all of Las Vegas except for Edward's family, who resides in Temecula, California. He has left 25 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

He was a man who never stopped giving of himself to those he loved or to a stranger on the street. His absence will leave a void in all our hearts. A special thanks to the staff at Manor Care and St. Mary's Hospice.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Mountain View Mortuary, 425 Stoker lane, at 4:00 pm on Saturday April 16, 2011. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Jimmy Olivas Athletic Foundation Nevada Boxing, 3724 Lakeside Dr., Suite 100 Reno, Nevada 89509