I wanted to brag about my Grandpa for a couple of minutes. He died around 4:30 this morning in his sleep. One of the best men I've ever known. He would have been 96 this coming Saturday. He wasn't my biological grandfather, I never knew or met the original. However, this man, Elmer Warren, met my Granny, Billie, on a blind date on 1 April 1946.

They married on 30 November 1946. He took on the task of helping his new wife with her two kids (one was then 17 and the other was 12. He never had children of his own. Elmer had a nice car after WWII - he sold it so he could have enough for a down payment on a little house in Sherman, TX, for his bride and her children. He then walked across town to the Gladiola Flour Mill to work each day then walked home - and never complained.

He was a wonderful husband and as good step-dad as you could ever find. And a better grandpa. I can only remember two times he ever raised his voice to me - once when he thought I was taking the wrong highway through Dallas and the other when we were talking politics. Otherwise, the only time I ever heard him raise his voice was with Granny when she would be "complaining" about me playing with my toys in her living room and he would just look at her and say "Well Dammit, Billie!"

We went out to Arlington this past weekend when I heard Paw was in the hospital and not expected to live through the weekend. We had a wonderful time Saturday. I knew that very soon he would no longer be with us, and it was time - but it still hurts. He was a wonderful man. I'm gonna miss him terribly.

I worry about Granny, now. She's 93 and has just lost the love of her life after being with him for the past 57 years.

DW

 

My deepest condolances to you and your family. Sounds like he was one great man. Spend as much time with your Granny as you can.

Take care.

 

Sorry for the loss. It is tough when we lose our loved ones. After the tears comes the joy of remembering the fun and good times. And when we know the loved one is ready to meet their creator, it is comforting to know they are much happier today than yesterday. My prayers are with you today for you and grandma and the rest of the family.

 

Thanks for sharing this story with us. Losing a loved one is rough at any time, but even more so when they really mean something to you.
I will remember you and your family in our family devotions later today.

 

I know how you feel. He sounds like a good man whose soul is now with the Lord.

I was just in Ardmore, OK this weekend to be a pallbearer in my Grandma Payne's funeral. We (luckily) had stopped by to see her a month ago before her stroke. She was 84. Granddad (a WWI combat vet) passed in 1976.

 

You have my condolances DW.
You and your have my family's prayers.

Rich.

 

Sorry to read of your loss.
I had a great Grandpa that was like that.
Never a harsh word and calm as calm could be.

Like others mentioned, stay in touch with Grandma often.
Its hard to guess what is good timing to be seeing her. Some of us need more time alone then others to grieve, some need folks all around all the time. So ask her what she needs from you. She will say.

Scotty

 

Wayne you and your family are in our prayers, you have my deepest condolences on your loss. You are very fortunate to have been blessed with such a great grandfather

 

God Bless you and yours.
You are in Prayers and thoughts.

 

I will say a prayer for you and yours

I would also like to make a small mention of my grandmother, who passed on last Sun night.
She was 93.

Rich

 

Rich, if your Granny was anything like my Granny or my Gandpa, you were truly blessed. I'll be praying for you and your family, too. I know you'll miss her just as much as I miss Grandpa.

DW

 

You and your family are in our prayers!

Thank You for causing Me to stop and recall MY Grandfather, the tears of JOY are still coming, I'm only SORRY My Children didn't have the benefit of either of their grandfathers measuring up. I have tried to give my Children/ Grandchilden the benefit of his same LOVING, Gentelness and Dedication to Their wellfare. From the feedback I get; IT MUST BE WORKING!! They can make-up for the lack of time, interest and display of LOVE our busy, or distracted, parents
sometimes display. Thankfully my Daughter shows many of his qualities, with her children. My Son, no children yet, shows them with his friends children.

 

You and your family are in our prayers!

Thank You for causing Me to stop and recall MY Grandfather, the tears of JOY are still coming, I'm only SORRY My Children didn't have the benefit of either of their grandfathers measuring up. Even though He died when I was about 10, He was the most positive force in my life. I have tried to give my Children/ Grandchilden the benefit of his same LOVING, Gentelness and Dedication to Their wellfare. From the feedback I get; IT MUST BE WORKING!! They can make-up for the lack of time, interest and display of LOVE our busy, or distracted, parents
sometimes display. Thankfully my Daughter shows many of his qualities, with her children. My Son, no children yet, shows them with his friends children.

 

DeaconWayne,
My deepest condolences on your loss.
That being said, your post makes me reflect on my family. The fact that you appreciated everything (except the political discussions) about the man says a lot about family ties and how they are supposed to be. Sadly, not everyone has that kind of relationship in their families nowadays. While all of us posters (and surely several who havent posted) mourn your loss, I must also point out how blessed you and your family have been.
My thoughts and prayers to your grandma. I can't imagine losing my wife and we've only been married 8 years! 57 is a long time to share and build memories with a mate. Family love and support should help her through this time.