100 GOING ON SIXTY by Jean Eisenmann | Birthday & Warren Fata photo courtesy of Debbi Fata, Proclamation photo Courtesy of Town of Hickory Creek
his turning 100. As devoted citizens, for
several years he and wife Rose served as election judges overseeing the voting booths. Warren also became part of
the Hickory Creek Planning and Zoning Commission for several years. And he held a city council seat, serving from 2004 to 2006.
“It was a very interesting time in my life, and I enjoyed it very much,” Warren commented.
Sadly, his wife fell ill, and dedicating his time to caring for her became his new commitment.
His life unfolds like a program on the
History Channel. Warren was a valuable
asset during nearly all four years of service in World War II. Though he desperately wanted to serve overseas and made
several attempts at being deployed, his
country needed him most in Boise, Idaho, repairing bomber planes. In fact, he was
commissioned to Washington, D.C. to be part of the team that inspected the Enola Gay at Andrews Field in Maryland!
“That was one of the highlights of my
H
ave you ever met a pistol? No, not the weapon, but someone whose personality can be summed up using that term. A person described as a ‘pistol’ displays great enthusiasm and positive energy. It’s a compliment to one who is outgoing, social, and the sort you don’t easily forget. Undeniably, Warren Fata is a pistol.
life,” Warren remarked.
After the war, Warren returned home to Chicago and landed a job in a machine shop, which blossomed into a 36-year
career. When the company was sold in
Warren is also a centenarian. A beloved citizen of Hickory Creek for over 25 years, Warren was born in Mount Union, Pennsylvania 100 years ago on March 4th, 1921. His father relocated the family to Chicago in 1930. Warren loved the city, but he visited Texas in 1994 to see his son Roger, who had made the wise move to the Lone Star State. A year later, Warren himself was a Texan.
Debbie have given him two grandchildren
1986, Warren had achieved the level
living in Arizona.
Still vital and articulate, every morning
son Warren, but spends a lot of time with
filled the gas tank, shopped for groceries,
“My dear wife, Rose Ruth Maul Fata, passed away in 2008,” Warren reflected, with a sadness that only the loss of one’s soulmate can evoke. “After that, life has never been the same.”
4.5 miles away, and Warren drives to and
yard,” Roger said of his dad. ‘He
Yet, life is good. Their union produced Warren and Roger. Roger and his wife
Clark presented him with a proclamation
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and five great-grandchildren, all
of vice-president.
“Before the pandemic I’d see them a
Warren begins his day reading the Bible.
couple of times a year, so I’m looking
He still drives, pays bills, attends church,
forward to doing that again,” Warren said.
and enjoys his coffee and sweets.
He resides in Hickory Creek with eldest
“One day, dad got the car washed and
Roger and Debbie. They live in Corinth,
and spread three bags of mulch on the
from pretty much every day.
The citizens of Hickory Creek hold Warren in high regard as a valuable resident
and dedicated volunteer. Mayor Lynn
on behalf of the town commemorating
wondered why he felt tired!”
Warren’s words of advice: “Love thy neighbor, go to church, and thank God for every day.”
And his key to longevity? “Maybe eat one grapefruit every morning.”
MAY 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29
