Mark Carlyle Warren

Mark Carlyle Warren, age 44, of La Grande, died January 31st in Kirkuk, Iraq. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 11th, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the La Grande, National Guard Armory. Full military honors will be presented.

Mark was born on May 17th, 1960, the son of Howard and Wanda (Sutton) Warren in Hermiston, Oregon. He attended schools in La Grande and graduated from high school in 1979. In 1979 he married Carol Ann DuBosch in La Grande. In 1981 he entered into the United States Marine Corps and served until 1985. In 1985 he returned to La Grande. He worked as a conductor for the Union Pacific railroad, and since 1991 served with the Oregon National Guard. His battalion was deployed last summer.

Mark Warren enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 24th 1981 where he served a four year tour of active duty to include a tour in Lebanon and Grenada. Mark joined the Oregon Army National Guard on February 9th, 1990. Throughout the 90's, he progressed through the ranks culminating in being promoted to Sergeant First Class on July 18th, 2002. During this timeframe, he held positions such as assistant squad leader in a scout platoon, M1A1 tank gunner and tank commander, as well as platoon sergeant. SFC Warren was known for his outstanding marksmanship and his ability to teach others the skills needed to become fine marksmen. Because of this, he was given the additional duties as the Battalion marksmanship coordinator. In this duty, he helped organize, conduct and participate in rifle marksmanship matches throughout the United States including 29 Palms, California and Little Rock, Arkansas. He also took great pride in helping train young soldiers in an additional role as the Noncommissioned Officer In Charge of the recruit training company, and developing future officers as NCOIC and Associate Professor of Military Science of the Guard Officer Leadership Detachment (GOLD) program at Eastern Oregon University. SFC Warren's awards include the Combat Action Ribbon (Marine Corps), Army Commendation Medal, Army achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, NCO professional development ribbon, and four Army Reserve Component Achievement Medals.

Mark was a life member of the NRA, and a member of the VFW, American Legion, Marine Corps Cryptological Society, and the United Transportation Union. He enjoyed marksmanship, hunting and woodworking.

Survivors include his sons, Christopher Warren, Michael Warren, and Ryan Warren, and former wife Carol Ann Warren all of La Grande; Mother and Stepfather, Richard and Wanda Davies of La Grande; sister, Tara Warren, niece Erin and nephews Cole and Jack Burgess; Uncle Aaron & Donna Sutton of Stanfield, OR; Aunt Bev & Ben Schatz of Olympia, WA; Uncle Gary & Frankie Sutton of Fremont, NE; Aunt Iva & Ben Collins of Buhl, ID; Uncle Vern Sutton of Hermiston, OR; Uncle Cecil Sutton of Puyallup, WA; Aunt Ina Beck of Federal Way, WA; Aunt Maurine & Harry Hansen of Stanfield, OR; and his Fiancée Mary Calloway. His father Howard Warren, sister, Angela Warren, and Uncle Robert Ernest Warren preceded him in death.

Those who wish, may make contributions in memory of Mark to the NRA, VFW and American Legion in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.