Ron (Ronald William) Warren, 65, died July 29, 2021, at his home, in Hutchinson. He was born May 19, 1956, in Liberal, the son of Robert William and Norma J. Warren. After his parents passing at an early age, he was folded into the family of his Uncle John, Aunt Fern, and his cousins, whom he loved dearly.
Ron is survived by: his wife, Jeannie; daughter, Cherish McKenzie (Jason) of Andover; son, John Warren (Brandy) of Buhler; granddaughter, Julia “Juju-Bob” McKenzie of Andover; grandsons, Cole, Gavin, and Jack Petermann of Hutchinson/Buhler; sister, Jana Shockey (Tom) of Haysville; fur baby, Cuff (Cuffie to him); nieces (whom he loved as “bonus daughters”), Gia Unruh (Mike, Kaysha Whitson, and Ethan) of Galva, Lisa Liles (Jason, Chloenoelle, and Patrick) of Colorado Springs, CO, Jennifer Hemmingway (Chuck, James, and Will) of Parkland, FL; Heather Black of Apex, NC, Michelle Shultz (Jim, Peighton) of Hutchinson, Jenny Frazier (Chris, Grayson and Breckyn) of Bonner Springs; and nephew, Shane Roberts of Milroy, PA.
Growing up in Hooker, OK, Ron later graduated as a proud Greenback from Pratt High School, lettering in football, basketball, and golf. It was while living in Pratt that physical labor, taking care of animals, and driving a combine helped build what became the foundation of his strong work ethic. He was proud (and always quick) to say he was a farm boy.
He moved to Hutchinson in 1981 (ironically living out the classic “boy meets girl across the street” scenario), into a house across the street from his future wife, Jeannie, and his soon-to-be daughter, Cherish, whom he said almost burst his heart the first time she called him Daddy; he loved the sound of her laughter. Ron and Jeannie married and started building their lives together as a family on Friday the 13th of November, 1981.
Ron was a natural born and excellent salesman. If he believed in it, he could sell it, and he did it very well. He was always up for any type of competition. He would proudly be on a team with John every chance he had. Even though it’s not an official sport, they competed about who had the best dinner every night, going as far as sending each other pictures! Competitions continued with his best bud, Keith, and numerous other close friends. When on a golf course, in a bowling alley, or at a poker table, he was a happy man. He was a staunch (and loud) supporter of the Chiefs, Royals, and KU Basketball.
He was a wonderful dad, known for driving home from across the state after a job was finished in order bring his kids breakfast from McDonald’s before they left for school in the mornings so he could add to their happy meal prizes. OMG! Heaven help that they be deprived! Kids were a challenge he was up for and he was so proud of both of them. He was always telling Jeannie that Cherish got this from me or that part of John was him to a “T”. Ron loved being a “Papa” with his whole heart and was not shy when it came to bragging about his Juju-Bob. Always beautiful in his eyes, she was the cutest and the smartest granddaughter in the world! And inheriting three grandsons full of opinions and personality was pretty cool in his eyes. His contagious laugh and generosity as the family “Dad” will be greatly missed at all family gatherings.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021, from 1-4 p.m. at Crazy Horse Sports Club and Golf Course, 922 Crazy Horse Rd., Hutchinson. If you have any pictures with Ron, the famly would love for you to share them.
In lieu of service or flowers, Ron had requested a golf outing be held in his memory, raising money for a charity. A sign-up sheet for this event will be at his celebration.
Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, is in charge of arrangements.