Warren C. Pray of Estero, Florida,  passed peacefully into God’s arms at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, Florida, on June 7, 2019, after bravely fighting a two and one-half year battle with Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC). He was born April 16, 1947, in Wheaton, Kansas, to Wayne and Dorothy (Hollenbeck) Pray.

Warren was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Lu (Bryan) Hallauer, and brother-in-law Jerry Wilson. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 50 years, Bea (Bryan) Pray, brother Mark (Julie) Pray, sister Judy Wilson, sister-in-law Bonnie Reetz, brother-in-laws Jerry (Wanda) Bryan and Virgil Hallauer, five nieces and nephews, and five great nieces and nephews.

Warren’s journey in life was full and blessed. After graduating from Junction City High School in 1965, he attended Kansas State University where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity for which he later became alumni advisor. He earned his Master’s Degree from Kansas State University while working as a graphic designer with the Extension Service at KSU. Warren was incredibly devoted to the University and to KSU athletics. His working career also included retail sales, teaching art, Director of Communications at the National 4-H Council in Chevy Chase, Maryland. His ultimate blessing was joining Edward Jones in 1992 and opening an Edward Jones branch office in Shawnee, Kansas. During his 22 years as a financial advisor, Warren valued his clients, co-workers, and the friendships he developed. He was honored to be a regional leader and later a general partner in the firm. His most treasured moments were mentoring fellow financial advisors and helping them meet their potential while also being active in the community. Among Warren’s many community activities, he served as President of the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce and was a leader in chartering the Shawnee Rotary Club. He had a love of meeting people, sharing with them, and being a very trusted friend. Upon his retirement from Edward Jones in 2014, he and Bea moved to their weekend home at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. In 2016, they relocated to Estero, Florida, to escape the cold midwest winters.

Warren enjoyed spending time with his wife, attending services and events at at First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs where he was a member of the church, classic cars, the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas State Football and Basketball, traveling, eating out and spending time with friends.

A sincere appreciation to our loving family and friends during these difficult weeks, especially Deanna and Ed Markley, Angie Scherzer and Laura VanZante (our God daughters), Terry and Von Hallauer (nephews) for being here with us. A very special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the ICU unit at Gulf Coast Medical Center for taking such wonderful care of Warren and to Senior Pastor Doug Pratt and the church family for their comforting support and prayers during our final days with Warren.

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., June 27, 2019, at the Amos Family Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Warren’s memory to:

Warren C. Pray Memorial Fund

Please send donations to Amos Family Funeral Home

All donations will go to National Jewish Health (Research for MAC), First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, FL, the ICU at Gulf Coast Medical Center and Kansas Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon.