Edward James Warren, 86, of Great Falls, died after a month long illness on April 17, 2016 at Benefis Eastview Senior Care.

A visitation will be on Sunday, April 24, 2016 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the Rose Room Chapel at Croxford Funeral Home, 1307 Central Ave. His funeral service will be on Monday, April 25, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Croxford Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery with full military honors.

Ed will be remembered fondly by the many people whose lives he touched. He was well known as a painting contractor, having worked in Great Falls since 1958. He had an absolute love and devotion to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and always strove to give to them in ways he was unable to experience as a young child. He was fondly called “Grandpa Great” by his great-grandchildren.

He was a 50-year member of the Eagles Lodge, a member of the Moose Lodge, and VFW Post 1087 in Great Falls.

Ed was born May 27, 1929 in Missoula, Montana to Violet Isabel Gibbons and James Irvin Warren. He lived most of his life in Montana and Idaho, and eventually left to join the Navy at age 13 ½ in an attempt to help his mother’s income. When discovered as “too young” on a Naval Ship, he eventually returned to serve his country as a Marine at age 17. Following an honorable discharge, he worked for several years in labor related jobs in Montana and Idaho as a potato harvester, bartender and swamper, eventually moving to Great Falls to establish his career as a painting contractor. His son, Ed, has now assumed his contracting business as “Ed Warren Painting.” He was known for his strong work ethic and worked long hours to provide the best for his family.

Ed was passionate about local and state politics, and he ran for many offices, notably as City Commissioner, Mayor and as the Lieutenant Governor in 1968.

Ed married Gladys Pearl Fisher on April 19, 1947 in Yuma, Arizona. He died just two days short of their 69th wedding anniversary.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys; son, Ed (Sue) Warren; and daughter, Lila (Paul) Culberston. Significant to him and the love of his life are his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Rachel (Casey) O’Neill, Addison and Tate, Adam (Adrianna) Warren, Justin (Heidi) Culbertson, Vincent, Charles and Fiona, Kyle (Stephanie) Culbertson, and Arabella.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; two sisters; as well as his daughter, Janice Lee Warren.

Memorials are suggested to Benefis Eastview Senior Care, in care of Benefis Health System Foundation, P.O. Box 7008, Great Falls, MT 59406-7008. 

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