John Pershing “Buck” Warren, 94, of Rochelle, died March 28, 2013, at Life Care Center in Fitzgerald.
Graveside services will be held 2 PM, Monday, April 1, 2013, at Antioch Cemetery in Wilcox County with the Rev. David Clark and the Rev. Dr. Lloyd Stembridge officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Antioch Baptist Church.
Mr. Warren was born June 1, 1918, in Laurens County, Georgia to the late Eli Warren and the late Lelia Mae Murkerson Warren Gibbs. He lived in the community for the past 33 years. He delivered ice from Cadwell to Dublin before joining the Civilian Conservation Corps in March 1939, serving until November 1941. He served in the United States Army, during WWII, from April 1, 1942 until November 25, 1945. During his time of service he was with the 1st Infantry Division in Algeria, French Morocco, Tunisia, Sicily, Normandy, North France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. His decorations included the American Theater Ribbon, Bronze Star Medal, Bronze Arrowhead with two Bronze Clusters, European, African, Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with eight Bronze Stars and the Distinguished Unit Badge. Mr. Warren went to work in Albany 1953, one of the first employees at Merck Chemical Company and retired June 1, 1981. After he retired, he moved back to Rochelle. He was a member of Christian Home Baptist Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion Post #71.
Mr. Warren is survived by his wife: Myrtle Lee Warren; three step-children: Patricia Hutchins of Pennsylvania, Gary Ussery of Fitzgerald and Larry Ussery of Atlanta; three nephews whom he raised: Richard Lane of Cordele, Terry Lane and Dan Lane both of Rochelle; seven step-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren and a half brother: Jack Lane of Rochelle. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a stepdaughter: Brenda Maureen Jones, his step-father: Jessie D. Gibbs; five brothers: Albert, Felton, Thomas, Ralph, and Alvis and a sister: Dorothy Anderson.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Christian Home Baptist Church, c/o Betty Carol Helms, 517 Christian Hill Road, Rochelle, GA 31079 or to the church of the donor’s choice.