Chief Master Sergeant Warren Emmerson Builta (USAF, Ret.) passed away peacefully at his home on August 16, 2003 surrounded by his family. Warren was born on February 8, 1920 in Arrowsmith, IL to Elton Baine and Floss Frankeberger Builta. His first four years of schooling took place in a one-room country schoolhouse. Warren graduated from high school in Leroy, IL and attended Eastern Illinois University for two years before enlisting in the United States Army Air Force in September 1940. Ten days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Warren and 27 other soldiers were transferred to Fort Hamilton, NY, and later, set sail for Europe on the HMS Cathay, and would be the first group of soldiers to land in Europe. As they passed the Statue of Liberty on his departure, Warren was unimpressed; however, on his return home from overseas after two and a half years, Warren fell in love with that \old lady.\ After a lengthy military career during which Warren served in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam, he retired from the Air Force on December 1, 1967. During his twenty-seven years in the military, he earned numerous medals and commendations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Bronze Star. After his retirement Warren returned to Vietnam as a Department of Defense contractor performing engineering services for U.S. troops in the field. There, he met and married the love of his life and mother of four of his children, Anne Marie Nguyen. In 1975, Warren and Anne Marie set up residence in Midland, Texas, where he worked for the City of Midland. After over twenty years of service he retired on May 31, 2001 at the age of 81. Warren cherished nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren, who lovingly called him \Pawpaw.\ He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His son, Richard, grandson, Lance, three brothers, and one sister, preceded Warren in death. He is survived by his wife, Anne Marie Builta, Children, Tony Builta and wife, Tracy; Anna Clements and husband, Johnny; Lori Burge and husband, Tony, all of Midland; Cathy Moilan and husband, Don of Fort Worth; Ronald Builta and wife, Angie of Carmel Valley, CA; Susan Napoli and husband, Bill; and David Builta both of St. Petersburg, FL; and Lynn Horn of Houston, TX; nine grandchildren, Ryan, Cameron, Madison, Emmi, Marsha, Alissa, Dominique, April, Stephanie, Melanie, Joshua, Amanda, and one on the way; nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Jake Builta of Leroy, IL and Darrell Young of Kerrville, TX; and three sisters Mariam Moberly of Garland, TX, Phyllis Hudson of Plano, TX and Beverly Lee of Bloomington IL.The family would like to thank the nurses on the fourth floor of Midland Memorial Hospital, especially Jeff Parker, Deanna Cantu and Pat Coleman as well as Dr. P.K. Patel and his staff, Dr. Govind Patel, Dr. P.J. Patel and Cherrie Barker and Becky Walker at Home Hospice for their compassion and care during Warren's final days. The family requests memorials be made to Home Hospice, 901 W. Missouri, Midland, TX 79701.There will be a Rosary Service at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Chapel Monday, August 18, 2003 at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Service is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at St. Ann's Catholic Church with Father Rodney White officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Ronald Builta, David Builta, Tony Builta, Johnny Clements, Don Moilan and Tony Burge.,
