Irene H. Warren

Irene H. Warren of Orlando, FL passed away peacefully December 24, 2014 at Florida Hospital East following a long illness. She was born June 13, 1923 in Galva, IL to Ira Binge and Hazel (Sall) Binge, growing up on the family farm in Henry County, IL. She graduated from Cambridge High School in 1941, marrying John Warren in Cambridge on July 29, 1941. They raised two sons, John Randolph (Randy) and Robert (Bobby, Bob). Following the war, the family moved to the Quad Cities, IL where John resumed reporting and editing for the Moline Daily Dispatch. When her youngest reached school age, Irene enjoyed working at the American Legion Post 246, as a server at weekend banquets and events. Living in Moline from 1956 to 1970, they finished raising their family there.

From 1970-1976 Irene and John lived and worked in Springfield, IL. Irene settled into working as a day care worker while John had a position in State Government. Moving to Central Florida in 1976, John finished his career in journalism at the Orlando Sentinel; retiring in 1984 and joining Irene in a part time cleaning service business. They enjoyed participating in ball-room dancing, local musicals produced by the LKE (Lake Kathryn Estates) Players, and singing with the Off Key Krooners Seniors Chorus at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Irene and John also loved to travel, taking cruises to the Bahamas, a trip to Cancun, and tours of Civil War historic sites. They were life long baseball fans, especially the Chicago Cubs.

They were active at Unity Church of Christianity and enjoyed many years of ushering Sunday services there. They made many friends over the years. Irene spread joy everyday to the people she was around, whether at work or in social situations. When she came into a room you could feel the energy.

She was preceded in death by her husband shortly after they celebrated 70 years of marriage; by her son, Randy, earlier this year; brother-in-laws Ray Bauders and Francis (Frank) Murphy, sister-in-law Patricia (Patty) Murphy, and nephew Myles Murphy.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Lucille Warren of Orlando; sister Evelyn Bauders of Winter Park and cousin, Marlo Morrison of Illinois; grandchildren, Robin Warren Hancock and Darren of Illinois, Melissa Warren Carr of Illinois, Eric Warren of Illinois, Shawn Warren of Michigan, Jennifer Warren Garrison and Ray of Orlando, Jerry Van Meter of Cocoa Beach, Thomas and Kim Van Meter of Winter Park, and Dustin and Allison Van Meter of Kentucky; 13 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 9AM to 10AM Wednesday, December 31 at Newcomer Funeral Home, Orlando. Funeral services will begin at 10AM.

Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Orlando.

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