Obituary of Delbert Louis Warman

April 8, 1954 – October 19, 2017 After a year-long battle with cancer, Delbert Louis Warman Jr. died on October 19, 2017 in Lake Havasu City, AZ at the age of 63. He leaves behind his wife, Sheree Warman; his sons, Brian Warman (Traci) of Upland, CA and Neil (Leticia) Warman of Oceanside, CA; his step-son, Brian Powell (Katie) of Santa Clarita, CA and nine grandchildren. Del was born on April 8, 1954 in Akron, OH, to Delbert Louis Warman Sr. and Barbara Smith Warman, who predeceased him. Early on he developed his life-long love of fishing with Grandpa Smith and Uncle Frank no matter the season or the weather. As the oldest son, Del worked to help the family. He got a paper route in his neighborhood, Firestone Park, and built his business to include the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company plant and the owner, Harvey Firestone, Jr. He attended St. Paul's Catholic School and graduated from Garfield High School in 1972. In high school Del excelled in Football, Soccer, Wrestling and electronics. At 18, he joined the Teamsters and delivered beer and wine. In 1975 Del enlisted in the U.S. Navy and left Ohio for San Diego, CA. He served on the USS Ranger as an Aviation Electronic Tech. He was a Shellback and a member of the Navy Rugby team. Several years after completing his Navy service, Del began his 35 year career at Lockheed Martin. Hired as an Avionics Field Rep, he was headed back out to sea with VS-37 and VS-21. Del was based at the Burbank facility from 1/1981 – 3/1987. He attended National University majoring in Computer Science. He then moved to the Ontario Division from 3/1987 – 10/1998. When Ontario closed, Del transferred to Lockheed-Martin ADP (Skunk Works) in Palmdale, CA and moved from Upland to the Antelope Valley. Del was a member of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Association (LMLA) and the American Broadcasting System for many years. He thoroughly enjoyed his work as a Senior Systems Engineer lending his talent, knowledge and wealth of experience to a variety of programs until his retirement in January 2016. He cherished the friendships created over the years and was happy to mentor the younger Engineers who sought his expertise. While living in Lancaster, Del continued volunteering and fishing. He joined the Elks Lodge 1625 and served as a trustee. He joined Palmdale Fin & Feather Club and the Dock 21 crew to fish. Del was the loving father of three active, athletic sons whom he shared with his former spouse, Deborah Kastner. When the boys began playing baseball, soccer and football, Dad was their biggest fan. He was a major supporter of Upland Region 32 AYSO, donating many hours as a Coach and Board Member. He was also a Referee for both youth and adult games. He practically lived at the soccer fields. Del met Sheree in December 2009. They were married on June 25, 2011 in Lancaster, CA. Upon their retirement in 2016, Del and Sheree moved from Lancaster, CA to Lake Havasu City, AZ. They were excited to be by the lake where Del could fish, enjoy his boat and relax with one of his many books. He is preceded in death by his parents and by his son, Scott Warman. Del is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren as well as his brothers, Bill Warman (Sharon) of Mesa, AZ; Michael Warman of Imperial Beach, CA; and his sister, Lorene Gibbs (Larry) of Greenville, OH; his mother-in-law, Millie Towles of Dayton, OH and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a dedicated husband, a loyal friend and a creative storyteller. He will be deeply missed by all who know and loved him! A ceremony with Naval Honor Guard will be held on Thursday, November 16, at 1 p.m. at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA. A reception will be held on Friday, November 17 from 5 pm – 9 pm at the Lancaster Elks Lodge, 240 East Avenue K, Lancaster, CA. All are welcome to attend the ceremony and/or the reception. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all those who have supported us during this time of loss. We are especially grateful to the doctors, nurses and staff at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Goodyear, AZ. Arrangements were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card to the family, go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.