(Lewis) Warren Emry was born in a farmhouse in Northeast Nebraska on September 3, 1930. He passed away at his home on July 1, 2026. His parents were Ralph and Edna (Woodward) Emry. He joined a family of 2 brothers, Fay and Norris. Warren spent his entire boyhood on the farm. they did not have electricity until Warren was ten years old. Electricity was followed with indoor plumbing and water available in the house.

Warren attended Allen (Nebraska) Consolidated Schools from grades one through twelve. He graduated valedictorian of his class in 1948. He participated basketball, football, track, and baseball. Although Allen first had a track team during his Senior year, Warren qualified for the State Track Meet in the 100 yard dash having never before run on a real track. he attended Wayne State College (Nebraska), graduating in 1952. Two months after graduation Warren was drafted into the United States Army. He got to the front lines of Korea on January 8, 1953.

During the war, Warren was a member of the Counter-Fire Platoon. A shell landed near the bunker Warren was in and damaged his hearing. Warren was promoted to Sergeant, the only member of his platoon to reach that rank. Returning to the States in October 1953, Warren spent time at Fort Atterbury, Indiana and Fort Carson, Colorado. He was discharged in April 1954.

On May 26, 1954, JoAnne Rahn in Newcastle, Nebraska. Three daughters were born to this union. Warren coached football, basketball, and baseball at Lynch, Nebraska for two years. He also taught Social Studies and Math. They then moved to Emerson, Nebraska where he has similar duties. His 8-man football team was ranked 8th in the state. During the summers, JoAnne and Warren attended Northern Colorado University in Greely. Warren earned his Master's Degree in School Administration. He also did graduate study at the University of Nebraska and Northern Illinois University.

After four years of teaching, Warren and JoAnne moved to Anthon, Iowa where he was High School Principal for three years. Then they moved to Onawa, Iowa to serve as High School Principal for seven years. In 1968 warren, JoAnne, and their three daughters moved to Belvidere, Illinois where he served as Junior High Principal for 24 years. It was during this time warren proposed a revamping of the curriculum at the Junior High to make it a truly Junior High experience. He was blessed to have hired many very good teachers, some transferring to the high school.

While in Onawa, Warren began donating blood to help his fellow man. He donated over 22 gallons of blood. He was active in the Methodist Church while in Anthon, Iowa and Belvidere.

He was Charter President of the Belvidere Y-Men’s Club. He was Director of Region II of the Illinois Principal’s Association.

Warren enjoyed thirty-five years of retirement during which he and JoAnne travelled to all fifty states and made several visits to Europe. They enjoyed visiting their daughters and watching their grandchildren in their activities. Along with his three daughters, Warren’s five grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life.

Warren was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-six years, his parents, and his brothers. He is survived by his daughters, Rhonda Emry (Bill Russell) of Ankeny, Iowa, Deb Emry (Chris Murdoch) of Winnetka, Illinois, Sandy Emry (Mark Schraiber) of Owatonna, Minnesota, and five grandchildren: McKenzie Murdoch (Mac Coddington), Andrew Murdoch, Megan Murdoch, Erin Murdoch, and Alexa Emry.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 7th from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services in Belvidere. Family and friends will meet at First United Methodist Church in Belvidere, on Wednesday, July 8th for Funeral Service at 11:00 A.M. Internment, with military honors, at Lawrenceville Cemetery to follow.