Warren Don

Warren C. Don, 92, of Casa Grande, Arizona passed away Easter morning, March 31, 2013. He was born Sept. 1, 1920 in Tucson, Arizona. Warren's family (his mother, father, four sisters and two brothers) moved to Casa Grande from Tucson in 1929 for a brief time. They then moved to the Crysotile/Superior/Globe
area where his father owned a restaurant. In 1931, they moved back to Casa Grande for good. During Warren's grade school years, he occasionally worked at
the Paramount Theater doing clean up work between showings. Later during high school, he was promoted to a projectionist and in October 2012 was elected to the Paramount Hall of Fame for his efforts. Warren was also the quarterback of the CGUHS football team earning the nickname of "The General."
After high school, he served our country during WWII as an aircraft mechanic in the Army Air Corps. Once the war ended, he married Pearl Druhot. Together they raised three children (Roger Sword, Gloria Chappell, and Danny Don). On July 1, 1952 he opened the Don Mobil Service Station on the corner of Florence and 2nd St. across from then Bashas' now Food City. Warren was a well known friendly face in the heart of Casa Grande. He retired exactly 30 years later on July 1, 1982. He always said that what he loved the most about the business was dealing with his customers, so much so that he learned to converse with them in their native languages of Spanish and Pima Indian. His fondest memory was the day he pumped gas, checked the oil and cleaned the windshield for
his all time favorite, John Wayne, who was in town checking his cattle ranch near Casa Grande. In the hallway of the Casa Grande Court House hangs a 1940 photo of his car parked in front of CGUHS, one of the few cars owned by a student at that time (thanks to the extra money he earned while working at the Paramount). Warren was an active parishioner of St. Anthony's Catholic Church for over 60 years. He was most proud of his membership in the Knights
of Columbus where he obtained his goal of 4th degree. He served the Knights as Faithful Navigator and Grand Knight. Warren enjoyed golf, woodworking, and frequenting the casinos. Given a roll of duct tape, he could x anything!
In addition to Gloria (Cliff) Chappell, Danny (Kareen) Don, and Roger (deceased) (Portia) Sword, Warren is survived by six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Warren's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the highlight of his life. His "can do" spirit and love of the Lord will live on through them. A memorial mass celebrating Warren's life is planned for April 20th at 11:00am at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Casa Grande. In lieu of owers, donations may be made in his name to the Knights of Columbus at St. Anthony's. J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is
in charge of arrangements.