Dawn Darlene Warner

Dawn Darlene Warner graduated from this life and went to be with her Savior on October 8, 2019.

Dawn Darlene was born on January 2, 1933, in Moscow, Idaho, to Jennie and Arthur Coleman.  Grandma Coleman (Jennie) said that when Dawn Darlene was born, her hair was curly and bright red like the sun – so she named her Dawn Darlene.  Dawn Darlene moved with her family to Washington when she was 4 years old.  Her family lived in different towns in Washington, and moved when her dad changed jobs.  When she was in the ninth grade they moved to Grapeview, WA, and she started attending school in Shelton.  

In 1948, her parents bought a home outside of Allyn, WA, and the family moved again.  There was no running water or electricity when they moved in.  By the end of the month they had electricity, so they were able to listen to their radio programs.  For several years, water would have to be hauled to the house for cleaning, cooking and drinking.  Darlene was responsible for helping with much of the housework and cooking while she was growing up.

On May 31, 1951, she graduated from Irene S. Reed High School in Shelton.  Not long after, on July 12th, Darlene was introduced to Gordon Warner by his sister, Ethel, who was dating Darlene’s brother, Barney. Shortly after, Gordon was drafted into the army.  During his time away, they wrote letters to each other, and through those letters a friendship and love grew.  He was back in Seattle on January 2, 1953, and they were reunited on January 3rd.  On July 10, 1954, at the little white church in Allyn, they were married.  Soon after, they bought their first home in Shelton.  That’s where they were living when Dan was born on June 15, 1955.  In 1957, Gordon got a job for the Ford Motor Company and they moved to Seattle.  Mike was born on November 30, 1958.

After Dawn Darlene’s dad passed away in 1961, her mom came to live with her, Gordon and the boys.  Dawn Darlene took care of her mom for the next 17 years until her she passed away in their home.

Family and friends meant the world to her and she loved spending time with each one.  Her greatest joy came from being a mom to Dan and Mike and grandma to Shaina and Jeffrey.  For decades, family Christmas gatherings were spent at Gordon and Darlene’s, and she always made family get-togethers so fun.  She was the ultimate hostess and made the most amazing foods – especially on the holidays. 

In 1990, she and Gordon moved to Auburn, and she said it was some of the best days of her life.  She and Gordon had no restrictions on their time or how they spent their days.

She enjoyed baking, making delicious meals for family and friends, working in her yard, trips to Long Beach and Leavenworth, reading, and getting cards in the mail.

Dawn Darlene has always enjoyed serving at church from their time at Rainier Avenue Free Methodist Church, and then at Auburn Free Methodist Church (New Day Christian Fellowship).  Her faith and trust in Jesus helped her through so many difficult times in her life and filled her life with peace and hope.  She lived her life serving/loving Him and striving to know Him better.

Dawn Darlene is survived by her husband Gordon Warner; brother Gerald “Jeep” (Mary) Coleman; Sons Dan Warner and Mike (Barbara) Warner; grandchildren Shaina Warner and Jeffrey Warner.

Donations can be made in her memory to World Vision

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