Warren Douglas Hall, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 31 in his home in Modesto after a brief illness.
He was born in Modesto, California on Feb. 16, 1922 to Charles and Dorothea Hall and grew up on the family ranch in Escalon, California. After graduating Escalon High School, he attended Modesto Junior College where he learned to fly. Upon obtaining his pilot’s license he joined the US Air Force as a pilot and flew B-17 bombers over Germany during World War II, retiring from the US Air Force Reserves with the rank of Lt. Colonel.
Upon returning to the United States after the war, Mr. Hall toured the United States on a bond tour with General George C. Patton and General Jimmy Doolittle. Turning down an offer from General Doolittle to remain in the service as his personal aide, he returned to Escalon taking over the family ranch and started a family with the love of his life, Mary (Mattesich) Hall. In 1960, he converted the small dairy into a successful walnut and almond ranch.
Mr. Hall loved the Escalon community and served as a school board trustee for his alma mater, Burwood Elementary School, for many years. He was also a loyal follower of the Escalon High School sports program and served as the “voice” of the Escalon Cougar football team announcing their home games for over 25 years. He never missed a game, home or away, until it became physically impossible for him to attend. He supported the Escalon High School Sports Boosters Club up and until the time of his death.
While running his ranch, he also served as a Commissioner on the San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation Commission from 1967 to 1982 and was instrumental in developing several parks known as the “String of Pearls” which still run along the San Joaquin River. In July, 2000, Mr. Hall and his wife moved to Modesto to live out their final years together.
He will be remembered by his family and friends as a generous and kind man, always willing to help out in any way he could. His stories from his youth and the war were well known by anyone who ever met him. He was especially devoted to this family and adored all his grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Survivors include his son, Steven N. Hall of Escalon; his daughter, Kathy Phillips (Keith) of Modesto; grandson Steven J. Hall of Riverbank; granddaughter Michelle Oechies (Arjan) of Amersfoort, The Netherlands; four great-grandchildren, Nathan Millsap of Turlock, Scott Phillips of Modesto, Emma Ocehies of The Netherlands, and Anneke Oechies of The Netherlands; and one great-great granddaughter, Baylee Millsap of Turlock.
He was preceded in death by his father Charles Hall; his step-father Neil Fabian; his mother Dorothea Fabian; his two brothers Charles (Pete) Hall and Mahlon Hall; and his wife of 62 years Mary Hall.
Arrangements were handled by Deegan Funeral Chapel with a visitation and prayer service both held on Friday, Nov. 8 at Deegan Funeral Chapel, Escalon. Interment was at Burwood Cemetery, 28320 E. River Road, Escalon.
Remembrances can be made to Community Hospice 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95350 or to the Warren and Mary Hall Scholarship Fund through the Escalon Unified School District, 1520 Yosemite Ave., Escalon, CA 95320.
To send condolences to the family please visit www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Nov. 13, 2013
