William David Warren

“And the things you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

On November 24, William David (“Dave”) Warren was welcomed Home to Glory by his Savior – whom he trusted for his salvation as a young boy. The only boy with four older sisters, he was raised by a single mother after her husband left the family when Dave was just one. His mom remained faithful to the Lord, pulling Dave in a wagon to church in the summer and on a sled in the winter. Dave remembered sitting on a piano bench beside his mom while she played for services. His childhood pastor became a mentor, teaching him to watch the words of hymns for biblical accuracy and giving him opportunities to preach even as a teenager. 

“Patty,” his loving wife of 60 years, entered his life in high school when they met at a Bible Club. He later became president, and she, the Quiz Captain. They were also part of Voice of Christian Youth (the Detroit chapter of Youth for Christ), and the group’s leaders became Dave’s mentors.

Dave was a graduate of Taylor (Michigan) High School (1960), Cedarville University (1964), and completed a Master of Theology in Old Testament Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1968. In 1998, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity by Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. 

He began a life of faithful ministry that spanned more than 50 years, serving first as pastor of Champion Baptist Church in Warren, Ohio, from 1968 to 1976, followed by four years as a professor at Faith Baptist Bible College (1976-1980), then 18 years at Cedarville University (1980-1998) specializing in pastoral ministry courses. While serving as a professor, he also maintained an active itinerant preaching and teaching ministry in college chapel, local churches, camps, and conferences across the nation and at times internationally. His love for the local church and pastors made him a natural candidate to become the state representative for the Ohio Association of Regular Baptist Churches (1998-2016). He referred to himself as the “designated friend” of the pastors and churches. From 1999 through 2020, he also served on the Board of Trustees of Cedarville University. 

To those who took his classes, he was a favorite professor known for his WWWs (“Warren’s Words of Wisdom”), singing before class, his quick wit, and his ability to make complex topics memorable. To those who sat under his preaching, he was a favorite speaker who spoke without notes and taught the Word using memorable outlines and clear applications.  For the pastors he mentored, he gave godly counsel and constant encouragement, and he walked alongside them during the challenges of ministry. With a passion to help others be successful, he was truly a pastor to pastors.

What others saw in public, Dave lived with integrity in his own home. He was a faithful, selfless, and loving husband and father. His family remembers his sense of humor, his shopping trips for “the necessities” (Coke, Oreos, and potato chips), his generosity and hospitality, his presence in his kids’ and grandkids’ lives, and his love for all-things Ohio. Whether setting up a tent in a thunderstorm or hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, he led a full and joyful life.

He is survived by his wife Patricia; children Janice (Ed) Supplee of Cedarville, Ohio; Cheryl (Steve) Brugel of Grand Rapids, Michigan; David (Michelle) of Denver, Colorado, and Mark (Darcie) Warren of Huber Heights, Ohio; grandchildren Ben (McKenna) Supplee; Matthew (Madeline), Lia, Elli, and Janae Brugel; Sydney, Alec (Franny), and William Warren; and Noah, Molly, Sadie, Emma, and Ezra Warren. He is also survived by 3 sisters – Helen de la Garza and Rosemary Miskelly from Detroit, Michigan, and Caroline Smith of Albuquerque, New Mexico; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dave and Marlene Gaffner of Cedarville, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Caroline Warren, his sister Ruby Hunter, and his beloved in-laws Oscar and Nadine Schonscheck.

Visitation with the family will be held Tuesday, November 28, from 4-7 p.m. with a Celebration of Life service on Wednesday, November 29, at 10 a.m., both at Grace Baptist Church, Cedarville, where Dave was a long-time member. He will be laid to rest at North Cemetery. Arrangements in care of Jackson Lytle & Lewis Life Celebration Center. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Dave’s memory to The W. David and Patricia T. Warren Family Scholarship at Cedarville University (251 N. Main St., Cedarville, OH 45314 or cedarville.edu/WarrenMemorialGift). The scholarship benefits children of Ohio pastors who attend Cedarville University.