Mr. Russell Alan Warren, age 82, of Delray Beach, FL, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025.

Rusty was born October 2, 1943, in Danville, Illinois, son of Jeanne Hill and the stepson of Charles Hill. He graduated from Seacrest High School in Delray Beach, FL in 1962. In 1965, Rusty joined the United States Navy and served for three years. He met his wife, Pam, through friends when she moved back to Delray Beach. After three years of dating, Rusty and Pam began a marriage that turned into a decades-long adventure.

Rusty is survived by his son, Timothy Warren (Lisa), his grandchildren, Emma and Trent Warren, and his siblings Robert "Bobby" Warren (Becky), Michael Hill, Paul Hill, Gary Hill (Linda), and Sharon Noble (Frank), as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was also brother to Patrick Hill, who passed before him and is remembered with love. Rusty is now reunited with his beloved wife, Pam, who predeceased him just seven months ago.

Family and faith were at the center of Rusty's life, and he was deeply devoted to his loved ones. He treasured being "Grandpa" to Emma and Trent, delighting in every moment spent with them. He was the one everyone trusted to fix things - a talent that became a cherished family memory when little Emma, with a broken toy in hand, turned to him and confidently said, "Wapaw, fix!" Rusty could hardly believe that even at such an early age, she already knew he was someone who could make things right. That trust and love defined who he was to his family.

Rusty began his career in 1969 in the plumbing industry and later worked to establish Rusty Plumbing of Delray in 1975. He ran the family business with Pam and Tim successfully for 41 years, through its sale in 2016. He was a leader not only in his family and community but also in his profession. Rusty was known as a patient teacher and a natural mentor - someone who believed in lifting people up, not just managing them. He treated every employee and colleague with respect, fostering a culture of loyalty, professionalism, and genuine care. Rusty took pride in passing down his knowledge, ensuring that every technician not only had the proper skills but also understood the responsibility and integrity required to solve problems for their customers. His mentorship shaped careers, his example shaped character, and colleagues have shared that his influence continues through the many people he guided over the decades.

He served as both local and state President of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), where he guided the Board in advancing the organization's mission. During his tenure, he championed the interests of contractors across residential, commercial, new construction, and industrial sectors. Rusty also promoted legislative advocacy at local, state, and national levels, ensuring the voices of skilled tradespeople were heard. He strongly supported education and training initiatives for contractors and technicians, and worked to reinforce industry standards and professionalism, values he lived by and passed on to others as a mentor in the profession.

Rusty shared a spirit of dedication in all he pursued. After retiring, Rusty embraced a new curiosity for investing and the stock market, eagerly taking classes and seminars to expand his knowledge, and was always encouraging Tim, Lisa, and his grandchildren to think ahead and prepare for the future. In his spare time, he loved bass fishing and was a member of a South Florida bass fishing club, proudly competing in tournaments throughout Florida. Rusty also enjoyed annual fishing trips with his Uncle Jack and his brother, Bobby, and local early morning weekend fishing trips with his friends. When Tim began playing baseball, Rusty initially volunteered to help for just a few days and ten years later he finally finished after becoming a devoted volunteer coach not only for Tim's teams, but also for other Delray Beach Little League teams long after Tim advanced to higher divisions. Rusty was equally active in Tim's Cub Scout troop, always helping Tim and the boys with projects, camping trips, and hands-on learning. A gifted and self-taught woodworker, Rusty took pleasure in creating fine pieces from raw wood, particularly those that Pam would later paint for Southern Handcraft Society projects, making their shared work a true family legacy.

Rusty became a devoted and caring Southern Baptist. He was an active participant in many church groups over the years, and a founding member of Barwick Road Baptist Church in Delray Beach. While at Barwick Road Baptist Church, Rusty was a Deacon, helped Pam with the projects for the Vacation Bible School summer programs, participated as a member of the Building Construction Committee, and helped often where needed in other areas.

Rusty was a friend to many, a supporter of all, and a man whose presence brought comfort and goodwill. He will be dearly missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known him, and the memories of his kindness will remain with us always.

Friends and family may call on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM with a Memorial Service to follow from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, led by Pastor Ralph Nygard at the Lorne & Sons Funeral Home, 745 N.E. 6th Avenue, Delray Beach. Rusty will be cremated, as to his wishes, and laid to rest at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital .