Douglas Gail Warwick's Obituary
Douglas G. “Skip” Warwick, 72, of Decatur, Illinois (previously Crown Point, Indiana) passed away February 22, 2024 in his home. One of three children, Skip, as he preferred to be called, was born September 28, 1951, the son of Douglas Dean and Joy Doris Warwick.
Skip is survived by his uncle and dads’ brother, Ron Warwick of Crown Point, as well as his brother Rick’s children, nephew Ryan Warwick and niece Lacey Warwick, both of Washington state. He also left behind many, many close friends.
Skip was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Julie Warwick of Florida, and brother Rick Warwick of Washington state. He also had lost a few years back, two great friends, George “Dino” Harrison of Decatur, and Mike Kestner of Clinton. Closer to his heart however, Skip grieved the loss of his only wife, Arlene, whom he married in his 20’s. Their marriage ended after only a few short years, but they always remained friends and stayed in contact over time. Arlene visited Skip in Decatur a couple of times, and he visited her back in Indiana at her home as well. They stayed very close until he lost her a few years back. Another great loss for Skip, was his closest and most faithful companion, “Stormin Norman,” a Norwegian Elkhound he received as a gift from his dear friend Cathy and had for many years until Norm’s passing. Norm took the place of the children that Skip never had.
A few years after graduating high school in 1969, Skip left Indiana and spent several years in the Kanakee, Illinois area before finding his way to Decatur around 1980. In Kankakee and Decatur, he spent many years in the auto industry selling cars, as well as many other service and maintenance-oriented positions. He spent many years at Northtown Ford in Decatur where he met many lifetime friends and became family there. It was said by others that Skip, could not make it in the sales industry as his heart had him giving cars away rather than making money. That precisely spoke to Skip’s character. He excelled at used car service manager and everything else he did though.
Skip left Northtown when the family sold the business and he moved on to a few other mechanical and service provider jobs. In 2006, he hired into the Bodine Electric maintenance and parts warehouse where he worked 14 years until his retirement in 2020. He too became family there and was one of the best liked employees in the company by his peers. This was confirmed by a rare standing ovation, by nearly all the employees in the room as he was recognized at one of the company’s employee appreciation annual dinners just a few years back. This, it was said to be a rare, or even first occurrence for one of their employees.
Skip gained praise and left a great legacy wherever he was or worked, and that was talked about by practically everyone that knew him. He wanted to help everyone and went out of his way to always do so. He was especially talented and had a mechanical gift when it came to working on or fixing anything, and without a formal education or degree in doing so. He often gave the praise to his father for teaching him, who he claimed could “fix or make anything out of anything.” Skip shared that same level of skill with his father.
When it came to hobbies, Skip had many. He grew up in the woods and the outdoors and that is where he always wanted to be. He probably loved hiking and exploring the most and would spend most weekends doing just that, with his buddy Norm and varied human friends as well. He had many custom walking sticks that he created and always came home with bags full of morels when the spring mushroom harvest was on. There were also many upstream canoe trips on Sandcreek. Often, he would be up there with a chainsaw opening the waterway from trees that had fallen across so people could still use it.
Skip also loved fishing and would spend many weekend days and nights with a pole in Sandcreek looking for Crappie as a monstrous fire burned behind him. He would always then get out all the fixin’s and cook over that fire for anyone that was there. You never left Skip’s place hungry.
Skip was a friend to strangers or longtime friends and you would be reminded of this by all the “life savers” in your pockets. He was as kind and considerate as a man could be. Near the end he struggled with his mobility, but he never stopped. He got out every day, by himself and kept pushing, never wanting help. He just wanted to see his friends or anyone for another day. It was how he wanted and needed for it to be. Skip also became very close with the Lord and the church these last few years and so we know he is in heaven passing out life savers now. He was the best friend anyone could ask for. Rest in peace our dear friend.
Skip’s wishes were for a small memorial service at the small church he attended. The Memorial Service will be at 10am on Saturday, March 9 at Mt. Zion Assembly of God (634 Woodland Drive, Mt. Zion, IL 62549). He was cremated and his remains are joining the remains of his deceased mother, brother, and sister in a final resting place for them all together.
Skip, who never had children, left a most generous monetary memorial gift to 3 separate children’s foundations listed below. If you are so inclined, please leave a gift to one of these great foundations in his honor.
More detailed addresses and donation forms or electronic payments can be found on line.
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 4400 Clayton, Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, St. Lake City, UT
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