David Alan Warren

David A. Warren, 51, of Cleveland, TN, passed away at a Chattanooga hospital on Saturday, January 22, 2022, with his wife and his brother by his side. He’s gone fishing on the outskirts of heaven.

Dave was born on September 11, 1970 in Kansas City, Missouri to William and Bessy Warren.  On this day, a loving father, husband, brother, friend, and a very good man started his adventure.

He grew up in Hardin, MO, where he made numerous life-long friends along the way.  Dave had a combination of intelligence, loyalty, friendliness, humor, competitive spirit, mischief, sincerity, and a drive for success that made his personality so unique. 

Dave looked up to his brothers, tagging along on dates, to events, and always trying to be more like them. Dave was so excited when he and his wife recently moved close to his oldest brother and best friend, Bill. While growing up, he also enjoyed helping numerous farmers around the Hardin area, including going on wheat harvest. Dave also loved to fish, hunt, and cheer on his Kansas City Chiefs no matter how bad or good they were doing. He was baptized a member of the LDS Church in 1984 and was currently a member of the Cleveland Ward.

He attended and graduated from Hardin Central High School 1988. Dave had a passion for the game of football that he carried for his entire life.  Dave was groomed by his three older brothers and his football coach to be one of the best all- around football players to ever put on a Hardin Central Bulldog uniform.  He received some of the highest honors which included All Conference, All Conference Player of the Year, All District, and All State 1^st Team on Offense and Defense throughout his career at HC.  Dave was a Captain, and one of the leaders of the undefeated 1987 State Football Championship team.  His impact on the success of that team will never be forgotten.

Dave served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from 1990 to 1994, where he worked in support of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. In addition to several ribbons and awards he received during his enlistment, he was also awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.

His devotion to public service was further exemplified when he applied and was accepted to the ranks of the California Highway Patrol in 1998. After the academy he was assigned to the Westminster Area where he served the citizens of California until retiring in 2005. During his time in the CHP, Dave stood out as a devoted partner to his brother and sister Officers, and a devoted public servant receiving recognition from several organizations. He received multiple awards including being named Officer of the Year in 1999, 2001, and 2002. He received the Public Service Awards from the California State Legislature in 2001 and 2002. Dave was also named the Orange County Vehicle Theft Officer of the Year in 1999, 2001, and 2002. Mothers Against Drunk Driving recognized Dave for his numerous drunk driver arrests in 1999 and 2000. He was deeply involved in officer safety, certified as a Physical Methods of Arrest instructor, as well as an Officer Safety Instructor. He voluntarily became involved in gang related issues, regularly representing the CHP in the Orange County Gang Task Force. He had a “knack” for catching taggers in the act and was the CHP liaison to the Anaheim Police Department in their efforts to combat graffiti crimes. After retiring from CHP, Dave started Coastal Security Services, where he provided security services for numerous music festivals and events, award shows, and executive protection.

His greatest accomplishments were his 2 children from a previous marriage. He loved them so much and told them every single day.  Dave later met the love of his life and best friend, Kelli, where they spent their years together fishing, hiking, traveling, spending weekends listening to country music, and just having fun. Not a day went by that Dave didn’t make you laugh or feel special.

If you knew Dave, you were an immediate friend. He always had a smile on his face and his bright blue eyes lit up every room he walked into. His laugh was contagious, even if he was the only one laughing. Dave was known for saying “what could possibly go wrong?” in any type of situation, especially when his brother was with him.

Dave was preceded in death by his father, William James; mother, Bessy Ellen; and sister, Tricia.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife and best friend, Kelli Warren; daughter, Heile Warren; son, Keegan Warren; siblings: Diane Douglas, Kookie (Rick) Paravicini, Bill (Lori) Warren, Mick Warren, and Tony (Becky) Warren. Along with nieces, nephews, extended family, in-laws, and numerous friends who love and adore him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Thurman Funeral Home, 507 E N Main St., Richmond, MO 64085. His family will receive visitors at 12 p.m. at the funeral home.

His cremation has already taken place by Fike Randolph & Sons in Cleveland. His final resting place will be with his family. There will be a small private family service, at their pond in Cleveland, where his ashes will be scattered.

In lieu of flowers, as these are welcome, cherish your memories of Dave and hold them close to your heart. Be an example of Dave. “Be the bigger person” as he would always say. Hold your spouse’s hand more, hug and kiss them just a little longer. Laugh more and don’t take anything for granted. Be more like Dave…live life as if there is no promise of tomorrow.

It was a good run…we’ll see you on the pond in heaven.