In Loving Memory of Earl Blake Warren

E. Blake Warren, age 72, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, at his home with his wife by his side. A proud veteran, devoted family man, and respected educator, Blake lived a life marked by service, love, and unwavering faith. Born to Leonard and Ruthie Mae Warren of Philadelphia, Mississippi, Blake was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jon Christopher Warren, and his parents.

A Life of Service                                         Blake honorably served in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. As a Marine Mechanic aboard the USS New Orleans (LPH-11), he played a vital role in both the Vietnam War and United States astronaut recovery missions. For his dedication, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star. In recognition of his valiant service to the nation, Blake will be laid to rest with full military honors.

Career and Education
Blake's professional path was shaped early by his time in the United States Navy, which he credited with teaching him discipline, precision, and pride in workmanship. His role as a Marine Mechanic aboard the USS New Orleans was not merely a job, it was a calling, and the skills he honed there laid the foundation for a lifetime of excellence in mechanical trades.

After his honorable discharge, Blake continued to serve his community through his talents, first as a technician at Witco Battery Plant in Philadelphia, Mississippi, and later at Brooke Manufacturing in Union. His colleagues admired his attention to detail, his calm under pressure, and his knack for solving problems that stumped others.

Driven by a desire to pass his knowledge on to others, Blake pursued further education and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from East Central Community College (ECCC). In his role as the Professional Lead Skills Instructor in Applied Electrical Engineering, he helped prepare hundreds of students for successful careers. Blake's classroom was known not just for technical rigor, but for the life lessons he wove into each lecture—lessons grounded in his military service, resilience, and faith.
He retired from ECCC in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of skilled professionals and grateful students who continue to carry forward his passion for learning and craftsmanship.

Family and Passions
Blake was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He poured his heart into caring for his family, protecting, teaching, and loving them wholeheartedly. He found immense pride in the accomplishments of his sixteen grandchildren and delighted in the joy of his seven great-grandchildren. Blake spent countless afternoons coaching his son's youth baseball teams and teaching his children the art of camping and fishing. His kindness extended beyond people, welcoming every stray cat that crossed his path—each gesture a reflection of the compassion that defined his spirit.

Faith and Community
Blake loved the Lord with all his heart and considered his church family one of his greatest blessings. As a dedicated member of Pine Grove Pentecostal Church, he found deep joy in worship, fellowship, and the spiritual bonds that sustained him. His faith was not just part of his life, it was the foundation of it, shaping how he treated others and how he faced life's challenges.

He believed in expressing his beliefs through quiet acts of kindness and unwavering selflessness, always choosing compassion over recognition. Whether encouraging someone with a warm smile, sharing words of wisdom, or lifting someone's burden through a simple gesture, Blake embodied the love he preached. His presence brought peace, and his voice—gentle in prayer and strong in praise—remains a cherished memory for those who worshipped alongside him.

Survivors:
Blake is survived by his loving wife, Janice Warren of Sebastopol; his siblings, Vickie Sharp (Tony), Debbie Peebles (Ricky) of Philadelphia, MS, and Keith Warren (Yvonne) of Fort Mill, South Carolina; his daughter, Candice Smith (Alex) of Nashville, TN; stepdaughters, Cindy Gilmore (David) of Sebastopol, MS, and Kym Rivard (Ron) of Richland, MS; stepson, Randal Watkins of Sebastopol, MS; sixteen grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Life
A graveside service is scheduled for Saturday, August 16th at 2:00 PM at Sebastopol Cemetery. Rev. Eric Sharp will preside, with Milling Funeral Home overseeing all arrangements.