William (Bill) Warren

William Franklin “Bill” Warren was born February 28th , 1938, on a hill overlooking the Current River in Shannon County MO near Eminence. Son of Jesse James Warren and Raussie Adeline Wood Warren. He attended Winona High school and graduated in 1956. He was united in marriage to Ona Fern Thomas on September 17, 1956. He went on to choose a career as a jeweler, watch repair, clock making. His work led him to move to Springfield MO in 1970 where he eventually opened his own shop, Warren’s Jewelry.

He died April 10, 2024, at the age of 86 at his home in Springfield MO after a long illness.

Surviving are his children Terry (Karen) Warren of Nixa MO, Gary (Lia) Warren of Republic MO, and Angie (Kevin) Piercy of Springfield MO, and his wife Ona Warren of the home.

He was preceded in death by one infant son Timothy Neil Warren and one granddaughter, Erica Warren as well as his parents and all 11 siblings.

Surviving are 8 grandchildren: Aaron and Allen Warren of Nixa MO, Campbell, Morgan, and Griffin Piercy of Springfield MO, Jesse Thrasher Warren of Republic MO, Lindsey (Justin) Hilton of Willard MO, and Amy (Justin) Ricklefs of Nixa MO and 5 great grandchildren: Levi and Kendall Hilton of Willard MO, Calder, Sawyer, and Zander Ricklefs of Nixa MO. As well as his honorary sibling, Linda (Larry) McAdams of West Plains, MO .

The youngest of twelve children, Bill grew up in an area that was virtually untouched by technological advances during his childhood, and he didn’t get to experience indoor plumbing until he was married. He was born to tell a good story, and often had everyone around him laughing with his anecdotes. Bill was a voracious reader and especially loved Louis L’Amour westerns. He was an artist and a craftsman who loved making things – the more challenging the project the better! His hobbies throughout his life were numerous; he enjoyed hunting and taxidermy, restored cars (a Model T, a Model A , and a couple of 1960’s era Mustangs), he was an amazing woodworker and craftsman, with those skills he built muzzleloaders and clocks, plus he was a terrific artist with numerous paintings under his belt. In retirement, Bill and Ona Fern built a log cabin, doing almost all of the work themselves, using logs from inherited land in Shannon County. That cabin kept them very happily busy for many years until his stroke in 2015.

Bill made friends easily and enjoyed helping people. He took delight in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and spent time with them whenever he could. He will be sadly missed, and his memory will be cherished by his family and friends, as well as the neighbors, customers, and folks in his community that he connected with over the years.

Bill was cremated at Walnut Lawn Cemetery in Springfield MO. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at www.walnutlawnfuneralhome.com.