Warren Smith

Warren Gene Smith, also known as “Coach,” passed away peacefully on Monday, September 15, 2025, in Pampa, Texas, at the age of 93.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, with Rev. Rodney Weatherly, retired minister, officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory. The service will be livestreamed through the funeral home website.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, September 19, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM.

Born on March 6, 1932, in McLean, Texas, Warren was the son of Riley and Effie Smith. He graduated from McLean High School in 1953 and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as aircrew aboard early Hurricane Hunter aircraft. His work contributed to the pioneering efforts of airborne weather reconnaissance, and he was honorably discharged in 1958.

On December 24, 1960, Warren married the love of his life, Clara Mae Snyder. Their marriage spanned more than 53 years until Clara’s passing on May 11, 2014. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service. Warren began his professional career at Cabot Corporation in 1958, later joining Pampa ISD in 1969, where he taught metal trades and small engine repair for 28 years until his retirement in 2004. Warren mentored countless students, always eager to share his knowledge and help them succeed.

Warren’s passion for working with youth extended well beyond the classroom. In 1964, he began coaching with the Pampa Optimist Club, where he remained a dedicated volunteer until 2000. Over the decades, he coached basketball, football, and baseball, and also umpired countless games. His commitment to the organization included leadership roles as a board member and service at the state level, where he held the office of Lt. Governor.

A gifted craftsman, Warren spent many joyful hours in his shop, tinkering and creating. His artistic legacy lives on in the metal entrance signs to Pampa and the “Lizard” sculpture in the park. He was a proud and longtime member of both Barrett Baptist Church and Cornerstone Baptist Church, serving his community faithfully for over 55 years. Warren had a lifelong fascination with weather; a passion sparked during his military service. He was known for tracking severe weather patterns and sharing updates with friends and family. He also had a tender heart for animals, feeding birds and later caring for neighborhood cats with daily devotion. His beloved dog, Duchess, was a constant companion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Helen Simpson; brothers Harold Smith, Larry Smith, Hershel Smith, James Smith, Freddie Smith, and Arvin Smith; and his in-laws, Earl and Virginia Snyder.

Warren is survived by his daughter, Lisa Love and husband Brad of Wichita Falls; sons Kenneth Smith and wife Lynn of Fort Worth, and Michael Smith and wife Jamie of Pampa; nine grandchildren: Daniel Smith, Nathan Love and wife Emily, Layce Boroff and husband Josh, NaKayla Voyles and husband Brandon, Abby Runion and husband Cody, Raina Smith, Wyatt Smith, Brittney Omer and husband Murade, and Heather Bell and husband Stephen; 13 great-grandchildren; his sister, Sadie Green of Justin; and sister-in-law, Frances Smith of Lela Lake.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church, 2410 W. 23rd, Pampa, Texas 79065.

To share memories or condolences, please visit the online guestbook at www.carmichael-whatley.com