Warren Lee Elledge

Warren Elledge was born on March 29, 1955 in Brownwood, Texas. He passed this life unexpectedly at his residence in Lufkin, Texas on February 13, 2024. If you knew Warren, you’d think it was odd that he didn’t prepare us all for his departure. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Nell Clardy.

Warren is survived by his daughter, Jessie Berler and husband Paul of Lufkin; his brother, Wayne Elledge and wife Stephanie of Lufkin; his longtime partner in life, Debbie Winston, her daughter, Lacey Winston and son, Beau Winston, all of Lufkin; his nephew, Riley Elledge; his niece, Heather Elledge and husband Andrew Wilson, of Lufkin; and grandchildren, Joshua Elledge, Mackenzie Elledge, Christopher Harrison, Kendall Harrison, Dylan Harrison, and Ava Harrison.

Diverse would not adequately describe Warren’s life and work. He touched a lot of bases. Warren graduated Bridge City High in 1973, and attended Lamar University from 1974 to 1976. In August of 1976, he graduated at the top of his class at the Port Arthur Police Academy, and began his long career in Policing and Public Service.

Warren served as a Police Officer in Port Arthur for several years, climbing to the rank of Sergeant before eventually coming back to Lufkin to work with his brother Wayne in the construction business. The two of them were a good team and could build just about anything and solve just about any problem.

Warren decided to try his hand in the restaurant business, and of course, placed 1st in his management training class with Luby’s Cafeteria. When he signed up for training, Warren offered to go anywhere in the country, except Houston. Unfortunately, the biggest restaurants get first choice of management candidates. Luby’s sent him to Houston. Within a few weeks, Warren landed the job to open the very first “Catfish King,” back in Lufkin. Thanks, Luby’s.

Warren enjoyed the restaurant business but would eventually return to law enforcement with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, where he served alongside his brother Wayne, and friends Randy Ware, Tony Galloway, and Sheriff Michael Pat Lawrence. Warren served Angelina County as an Interdiction Officer and Sergeant until 1995. Warren was a certified PADI Instructor and helped establish the Sheriff Department’s Underwater Search and Rescue Team. Warren taught countless students the art of underwater diving. He’d want us to tell you, “Don’t swim into a cave. You probably won’t swim out.” He enjoyed leading teams of divers to the beautiful blue water of Honduras. Warren later served as a Military Police Officer for the United Nations, in Kosovo where he was awarded the United Nations Medal of Service.

Back in the US Warren took another job working alongside his brother Wayne, this time as a Nuclear Power Plant Technician for Siemens. A few years later, Warren’s brother asked for his help on a ‘side job’ working as a private investigator for a local law firm preparing for a big trial. As it turned out, Warren had a knack (and love) for the legal profession as well. He accepted a job and a second career, with the law firm of Mike Love and Associates, where he worked for the next (18) years.

At the firm, Mike and Sam like to say, that they “catch people lying for a living.” Warren was an excellent investigator often ‘leading the charge’ to find the truth in countless cases. He could build anything, track anyone down, and identify the weakness in every poorly conceived argument. Clients loved him. Attorneys on the other side were often annoyed, and that probably pleased Warren the most. Warren was an irreplaceable part of the law firm’s success and growth.

If you have enjoyed the Lufkin firework show(s) over the last (18) years, you can thank Warren. When his boss had a crazy idea to take on the annual July 4th fireworks as a ‘firm project,’ Warren responded with one of his signature lines, “How hard can it be?” and set out to make it happen. Over the years, Warren helped organize, train, and protect the teams of volunteers that it takes to put on Lufkin’s 4th of July fireworks show. Warren would want you to know, “Don’t look down a loaded fireworks tube.” It’s almost as dangerous as a cave.

Warren was an exceptional Pilot and earned his wings in the early 80’s. He was a mentor to many. He was gentle, yet tough; patient, but demanding. He excelled at the things that he set out to do. He was a great friend, father, and co-worker. He will be missed in so many ways.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jerry Redd, Mike Rea, and Beau Winston. Pallbearers will be Steve Tolley, Keith LaBrozzi, Lonnie Smith, David Ware, Sam Johnson, and Dewey Foreman.

The family will welcome friends and family on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Carroway Funeral Home in Lufkin, Texas.  A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 17, 1024 at 10:00 a.m. at Carroway.  Eulogies to be given by Sam Johnson and Clyde Herrington, with Bro. David Merritt officiating. Interment to follow immediately at Whitehouse Cemetery in Lufkin.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.