On Sunday evening, September 18th, 2011, Dan Ray Warren (85) passed in the presence of many of his family. Born in Concord, NC, on October 10th, 1925, to Robert and Ruth Warren, Dan grew up in Greensboro, NC. During World War II, Dan served as a B-24 nose gunner in the 449th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in Italy. Dan attended Guilford College and graduated from Stetson University's College of Law. Dan was elected in 1952 to the Daytona Beach City Commission. In 1953, Dan was appointed a charter board member of the Daytona Beach Racing & Recreational Facilities District, a position he held until 1996.

In 1958, Dan served out the term of a removed Justice of the Peace. In 1962, Dan was appointed Assistant State Attorney to William W. "Billy" Judge, and became State Attorney upon Mr. Judge's retirement, until 1968, when he resigned to form Judge & Warren, P.A., his law firm until his death. Dan's civic activities included working to found the Museum of Arts & Sciences, the Beach Street Sidewalk Art Festival, the creation of Tuscawilla Park, and the London Symphony Society, on which board of directors he served as a charter member. Dan's advocacy for civil rights culminated in 2008 with the NAACP honoring him with its "Trailblazer Award." In 2010, Stetson University's College of Law inducted Dan into its Hall of Fame, in recognition of his civil rights efforts. Dan focused nearly all of his 60 year legal career to a criminal trial practice, both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. Dan's efforts in Fourth Amendment constitutional law led to featured appearances on 60 Minutes and 20/20.

Dan is survived by his wife, The Honorable Stasia Warren, County Court Judge; his children: Christine Warren (Les Wisotsky, deceased); Dan Warren (Jill); Raymond Warren (Deborah); Joseph Warren (Julie); Dr. Ruth Warren, DO (Dr. Michael Hartmann); and Adam Warren. Dan greatly enjoyed his 12 grandchildren. Dan was predeceased by his sons, Robert and David. Dan is survived by his siblings: Robert "Max" (Muriel), Joseph (Fran), and Sara (Jack Comer, deceased).

An informal social gathering to celebrate and share stories of Dan's life will be held at Sunset Harbor Yacht Club, 861 Ballough Rd., Daytona Beach, on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. A memorial proceeding will be held Friday, 3:00 p.m., in the Main Courtroom, Second Floor, Historic Volusia County Courthouse, (facing S.R. 44), 120 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand, Florida 32720.

Services and greetings for Dan's well-wishers, friends and family will continue at the Grant Bly House, 842 E. New York Ave., DeLand, Florida 32724. Charitable contributions in lieu of flowers may be donated to: The Civil Rights Museum of St. Augustine, Inc., c/o Mr. Richard P. Burton, Chairman, P. O. Box 3995, St. Augustine, FL 32085-3995.

Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal on September 21, 2011