Taylor Co., TX - Obituaries - Dr. Francis Marion Warren *********************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Dorman Holub Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************** The Abilene Reporter News Abilene, Taylor County, Texas Monday, January 17, 1944 Illness Fatal to Minister Dr. Francis Marion Warren, pastor of the Abilene First Christian church for 12 years, died at the family home, 1715 North 3rd, Sunday morning. Although in ill health the past two years, Dr. Warren continued to fill his pulpit until recently. Services held at the church where he had served as pastor Sunday evening. Dr. M.E. Sadler, president of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, conducted the rites and gave reassurance of the type individual the minister was during his lifetime. Dr. M.E. Sadler was assisted by Rev. Amos W. Myers, pastor of the Christian church in Breckenridge, Dr. E.B. Surface, Abilene minister of the Central Presbyterian Church USA. Member of the official board of the church acted as pallbearers. Body was to lie in state at Elliott's funeral home until Monday when it will be taken to Centralia, Ill. Dr. Warren's birthplace, for final rites. Mrs. Warren and Mrs. Lewis J. Ackers will accompany the body. Last services were expected to be held in the First Christian church of Centralia, Tuesday with Rev. R.E. Thorpe, pastor to officiate. Burial in the family lot near there. Dr. Warren underwent an operation over a year ago but returning to his pulpit until September, when he re-entered the hospital. His condition had been serious since then, but critical only a few days. Born in Marion County, Illinois, at Centralia, on 6 May 1883, Dr. Warren was a member of a pioneer family, the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Warren. He entered the ministry at the age of 24. Married to the former Grace Kennedy at Deep Water, MO, in 1912, they lived in Venton, Iowa, where he was pastor several years. Later they moved to Norman, Okla., where he continued in the Christian church until coming to Abilene 12 years ago. He was a member of the Oddfellows, Masons, Kiwanis Club and a number of other local organization. On 31 May 1943, the Doctor of Divinity degree was conferred upon him at Texas Christian University. During the first World War, he engaged in chatauqua work as a lecturer. Survived by his wife; 2 sisters - Mrs. Will Richardson and Mrs. Jim Waters, both of Centralia; brother - Will Warren, also of Centralia.