Kenneth Hyde (Ken) Warren

It is with tremendous sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Kenneth Hyde Warren.  Ken left us for his next adventure on January 17, 2019, after a year-long battle with cancer.  Ken died peacefully at home, with his wife by his side, in Pittsboro, North Carolina.

Ken was born on February 22, 1945 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Over the next 73 years, Ken squeezed every drop he could out of life.  With a heavy dose of youthful exuberance and curiosity, Ken spent his youth exploring the New Jersey shore, multiple sports, the many treasures of Philadelphia and far too many high schools.  With his sister, Ellen, as his partner in crime, Ken developed a love for adventure, a wonderful and sometimes mischievous sense of humor and a deep affinity for the sea.

As a student, at Park College in Kansas City, Missouri, Ken met his true love and life partner, Janis Chesnut.  After college, Ken felt a strong compulsion to create his own success.  Before anyone in the world knew what an entrepreneur was, Ken became one.  He built a printing business in Wilmington, Delaware that would have a successful run of over 30 years.  Throughout his career, he built many meaningful relationships with his clients and considered his employees his family.

But work was merely a means to an end.  Ken had much more to do and give than just running a successful business.  He played tennis.  He played volleyball.  He was an accomplished gardener.  He loved to ski.  He loved to scuba dive.  And he traveled the world with a deep thirst for understanding different cultures.  His travels took him to 49 states (sorry Alaska), all seven continents and over 35 countries.  With each stop, Ken often took the path less traveled so he could see and understand the people, culture and food that was authentic to each country.  Ken always loved to try the spiciest and most interesting foods and taste the most fascinating beer this world had to offer.

Ken is survived by his deeply devoted and loving wife of 52 years, Janis Chesnut Warren.  He is also survived by his daughter, Kimberly Holly Warren; his son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Lauren Warren; his grandchildren, Macy, Meredith and Campbell Warren; his sister and brother-in-law, Dr. Charles and Ellen Leone; his brother and sister-in-law, Craig and Catherine Warren; his pooches, Madi and Pepper and countless nieces, nephews and friends.

Ken is now resting with his parents, Tarbet and Evelyn Warren and his parents-in-law, James and Evelyn Chesnut.  He is also joined by the many dogs that he loved, walked and threw infinite tennis balls for.

A service celebrating his incredible life, will be held at Donaldson Funeral Home in Pittsboro, NC, on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 4:00 PM.

Ken had two charities that were near and dear to him.  If inclined, in lieu of flowers, please make any donation to:

Chatham Out Reach Alliance & Carolina Tiger Rescue