Colonel Carl W. Warren of Rancho Bernardo, born in Cleveland, Ohio, son to Milton and Irma Warren, passed away August 12, 2026, at the age of 95.

Carl met his future wife, Barbara Spangler, while attending Kent State University. They married in 1952 and shared a 73-year marriage marked by loyalty, humor, and deep affection until Barbara’s passing in February 2026.

Colonel Warren devoted 22 years to the Army, beginning as a distinguished ROTC graduate from Kent State and a commissioned infantry officer at Fort Benning. He served two tours in Vietnam—first as an advisor to the Vietnamese Infantry battalion, where he was among the earliest recipients of the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and later as a joint staff officer preparing briefings for General Westmoreland in the Combat Operations Center.

His career included assignments at Fort Gulick, Fort Hood, Fort Leavenworth, and his final troop assignment was with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. He retired after earning an MBA from Georgia State University and contributing research and development work for the Infantry Board at Fort Benning. His decorations included the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Army Commendation Medal.

After retiring from the Army in 1976, Carl and his wife Barbara made their home in San Diego, where he continued his career with the Convair Division of General Dynamics until his retirement in 1993. Together, they shared a deep love of travel, exploring more than 60 countries side by side.

Music was one of Carl’s greatest joys. An accomplished drummer, he spent five decades performing throughout San Diego with groups including The San Diego Hysterical Banjo Society, The Nice and Easy Jazz band, The Swing Set, The Weekenders, the Poway Dixie Strutters, Seven Oaks Survivors, the Vagabonds, the Cabrillo Classic Jazz Band, and many small ensembles. He especially cherished bringing music to his community at Casa de las Campanas in Rancho Bernardo.

A longtime member of San Rafael Catholic Parish, Carl will be remembered not only for his distinguished military service, but for his devotion to family, his love of music and travel, his dry humor, and the many friendships he nurtured throughout his life.

Carl is survived by his children, Carla, Stephen, and Elaine, and his grandchildren Timothy, Hannah, Scott, and Kenneth. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, and his grandson, Riley.