John Warren
East Alton | Save
John Warren, 77, passed away Wednesday November 26, 2025 at 7:02 A.M at Alton Memorial Hospital.
John was born on April 10, 1948 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Alton, IL to the late Edgar M. Kinsley and Evelyn M. Nelson. John was later adopted by his step-father Freamon O. Warren, who preceded him in death.
John joined the Army in 1965 and served 3 years where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and a Bronze Star.
After his time in the Army John went on to get his degree from Lewis and Clark Community College and later, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at SIUE.
He retired from Shell Oil Company and Equilon after 35 years of dedicated service as a lab analyst. John also worked at Lewis and Clark Community College as a Saxophone teacher; he also taught private lessons for many years.
John’s love for the Sax started at the age of 8 and he carried that throughout his life. Over the years he has played in several area Municipal Bands. Up until his passing he was a proud and active member of the New Horizons Band of Godfrey.
Being a kind person and a great friend to many is something John is well known for.
John is survived by two sons Matthew Warren (Jennifer), Joshua Warren, one daughter Kimberly Cruz, a loving significant other Cherly Webb, several grandchildren to include Kelsey Hawkins, Morgan Deardeuff, and Joshua Reese, great grandchildren, and one brother James Warren.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his life partner Sandra Reese.
A memorial visitation will be held at Gent Funeral Home in Alton on Tuesday December 9, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that memorials be made to New Horizons Band and VFW Post 1299 in Edwardsville, IL. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements; an online guestbook can be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
Gent Funeral Home
