Community Gathers to Raise Funds for Doug Warren
By Amy Bearden/ Mineral Wells Area News
On the evening of January 7, family and friends gathered in Mineral Wells to raise money for medical and funeral costs for Doug Warren after he lost his life in an early morning altercation outside of Whataburger on December 18.
Hundreds of people gathered at Nita Beer just after 5pm for a benefit to raise money for Warren. There was standing room only inside the building as organizers raffled door prizes, held a silent and a live auction, as well as a “split the pot raffle” to raise funds.
One of Warren’s formers employer’s, JP Simmons, who owns Swingin’ S Lanscaping, along with employee Brendan Daniel and friend Zach Harris, cooked brisket and ribs that fed the crowd for $10 a plate.
Simmon’s helped organize the fundraising event at Nita Beer and told MWAN that Warren had worked for him on and off again for over six years.
“Doug always would work harder than the 30-year-olds I would hire,” said Simmons, who said he’d let Doug sleep on his couch when he needed too.
After live music from Beau Taylor and Cameron Morrison, the crowd was treated to a one-armed 8-Ball pool tournament in honor of Warren.
“Anyone who knew Doug, knew he played pool with one arm,” said Nita Stephens who owns Nita Beer, where Warren would frequent to play pool.
After a pair of custom boots were auctioned, along with many other items including an authentic Dallas Cowboy’s Jersey, a guitar, and even a free laundry service, just over $6,000 was raised for Doug’s family to help with expenses.
One benefit attendee and his wife showed the selflessness the group demonstrated the whole evening. Jerry Littlepage and Amanda Lawson were the lucky winners of the “split the pot” raffle, but instead of putting the money in their wallet, they gave their winnings, which was $650, back to Doug’s family.
It’s no doubt that Doug was a man who left an impact on lots of people before he passed away.
“It turned out amazing! My uncle Doug Warren would have loved seeing everyone come together the way they did to help support us,” said Amanda McDonald.
