U.S. Senator John Boozman Honors WWII Veteran and Civic Leader Warren Blaylock on Senate Floor

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) expressed his sympathy for the passing of Warren Blaylock, an Arkansas civic leader, during a speech on the Senate floor.

Blaylock served as a combat medic in WWII. In 2009 Boozman presented him with the medals he earned in service to our nation. When Blaylock was inducted into the Arkansas Military Hall of Fame in 2015, Boozman had the honor of participating in the ceremony. Blaylock passed away March 9.

Boozman recognized Blaylock’s life with the following remarks:

I rise to pay tribute to Warren Blaylock, a friend and true public servant who was a lifelong resident of Crawford County, Arkansas. Warren was a World War II veteran and someone I admired greatly for the vital role he played in his community for decades.

Born in 1921, Warren grew up near Alma, Arkansas and knew the harsh realities that many Americans encountered during the Great Depression. He graduated from Alma High School and went on to join the Army during World War II.

During the war, he served as a combat medic with the 67th Evacuation Hospital. His unit landed at Normandy just days after the Allied forces stormed the beaches on D-Day and went on to follow the Allies as they marched through Europe.

Warren was promoted to First Sergeant while serving in Europe and he received several awards and commendations, including two Bronze Stars, the Superior Unit Award, and the Combat Medical Badge. I am so thankful for his service alongside so many others in the “Greatest Generation” as they risked their lives in the defense of freedom.

Even after he left the service, Warren spent the rest of his life giving back to his community and advocating for causes he believed in.

After returning home from the war, he attended the University of Arkansas and earned a bachelor’s degree in business. In his professional life, he was Vice-President and General Manager of the Derrel Thomas Company in Van Buren.

Still, Warren found time to participate in numerous civic organizations within the community. He was an active member of the Alma United Methodist Church for decades and served on the Methodist Health and Rehabilitation Board for 41 years.

Additionally, Warren served on various other boards and organizations and was a pillar in the community.

Perhaps most notably, he was a member of the Rotary Club, first in Van Buren and then in Fort Smith, for 54 years and maintained perfect attendance. This is just one example of Warren’s dedication to serving and giving back to Arkansas.

And while Warren never sought recognition for the work he did on behalf of his community, his contributions were noticed and recognized by the city of Alma as well as on the regional and state levels.

He was inducted into the Arkansas Senior Hall of Fame in 2013. In 2015, I had the honor of participating in the ceremony where Warren was inducted into the Arkansas Military Hall of Fame on the basis of his honorable military service and exceptional state and community service.

This was yet another reminder of how loved and valued Warren was by so many people whose lives he had touched.

As active as he was, Warren always enjoyed spending time on his ranch tending to his livestock. In fact, he was also a talented auctioneer who would lend his skills to various charitable auctions and events over the years.

A devoted follower of Christ, a wonderful father and family man, a respected humanitarian and a rock within his community, Warren will be greatly missed by many.

We wish his family, friends, and loved ones comfort as we all mourn his loss, but we also take great joy in knowing just how profound an impact Warren had on the lives of so many. He leaves behind an incredible legacy of love, devotion, and service that will last for many years to come.

I very much appreciate Warren’s service, and even more his friendship, encouragement, and the amazing example he set. I will miss him and the vital role he played in his community and in Arkansas.

He leaves a huge void that will be hard to fill, but I hope that all those who witnessed his committed service to his fellow man will join me in resolving to live and love more like Warren as a way to honor him and his legacy.