Warren Wallingford, formerly of DeLorean Motor Company (Houston)

[DMCH James]

Sad to post that we just received word that former DMCH employee Warren Wallingford - the man behind the phone here for many years and personal friend to many within the DMC company and DeLorean community - passed away the evening of July 8th after a long battle with cancer. Here is what we know from his son:

He had gone into the hospital last week with some internal bleeding, which was stopped and he seemed to be recovering. He had a great weekend and was able to see his kids and grand kids.

But Monday morning, during dialysis, he went into respiratory distress and his body gave out. We are devastated that he is gone, but grateful we had the chance to see him being himself and all his grandkids were able to talk to him on, what turned out to be, his last day.

The memorial service is being planned for Thursday the 25th at 11am here in Austin.

As we have more details about the memorial service, we'll post them here for those that are interested.

[Dangermouse]

I'm sorry to hear that. I only spoke with him a couple of times, but I have seen his name mentioned often.

[Farrar]

Aw, man. That's a shame. Sounds like he had a good long run, though. He'll be missed by many. My condolences.

[Evildeli]

What a lose. Warren was just a fantastic guy. I swear he knew part numbers better than the catalog. I actually looked forward to talking to Warren when I ordered parts with DMCH. I met him in person once, and he was professional, courteous and above all, a real pleasure to talk to. My condolence goes out to his family.

[DMC02766]

What a lose. Warren was just a fantastic guy. I swear he knew part numbers better than the catalog. I actually looked forward to talking to Warren when I ordered parts with DMCH. I met him in person once, and he was professional, courteous and above all, a real pleasure to talk to. My condolence goes out to his family.

I felt the exact same way... I remember when I ordered by first accessory from DMCH (it was a DMC tag) years before I actually purchased my car. The next day he called and I looked at the caller ID and thought it was the coolest thing that they actually called to tell me my stuff was getting shipped out- even with it being such a small order. Many times after that when ordering parts I would talk to him and ask him about certain details of what I should order (this doesnt work here, this doesnt work there) and he always was quick with an answer- very courteous, very friendly, and most of all very knowledgeable. I felt like I was holding him up from doing something important but he never once had any issues answering all of my questions in detail. Seems like I did get to meet him at one of the DCS shows (Pigeon Forge maybe?). Great guy and an even greater loss to the community. My prayers go out to his family...

[DMCMW Julee]

Peace that passes understanding - Warren lived it every time I spoke with him during this long ordeal and I was blessed by his example.

I will miss your earthly presence my friend, but I look forward to catching up with you in eternity!

[DeLorean03]

Man, I spoke with Warren for years when ordering parts. From 2003 to 2009. he ALWAYS was the man behind the phone.

The DeLorean community has suffered 2 big losses in 2 months flat. Enough please :'( ...

[opethmike]

I'm sad to hear this. I met Warren on July 13th, 2007 when I went down to DMC-H to purchase 01049. He gave me a ride from the facility back to my hotel room, and he was very pleasant to converse with.

[DMC8182]

Warren was one of the reasons many of us stuck through some tough times in the Delorean community. He was a breath of fresh air and always helpful when most of us were just learning about the cars.
He will always be remembered warmly as a friend and the impact he had on my passion for the marque.

Cecil Longwisch

[tgraham]

This is sad news, indeed. I first talked to Warren sometime in 1997 after I bought my first DeLorean and called up DMCH for some parts. From that point up until he retired, between my phone calls for parts, Open House events, and dropping by DMCH occasionally when in Houston, I can't even imagine how many times I've talked to him. And every time he was always exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable, patient, and perhaps most importantly, had a great sense of humor!

My condolences to his family and, Warren, thanks for everything!

Travis