It is with sadness that I report that Warren Bumgarner has died.  Warren was a Charter Member of FCW, joining within the first week of organization.

Warren had an MS in Industrial Arts from Appalachian State and taught Machine Shop at CCC&TI, then at WPCC.  He was proficient in both manual and CNC machining, expert at MasterCAM, and was valuable in the Machining area at FCW.  Handy with many things, Warren also helped with the wiring and wall construction at the previous space,

and was one of the few that Gene trusted with running the railroad.  He enjoyed the events,  operating the “electric chair” at our first Haunted House and being Santa at two December Open Houses — including the blue screen pictures.

Warren was from Granite Falls and had two children, Brandon and Ashley.  After re-marriage, he moved to Mt. Ulla, NC.  After the FCW fire in 2017, Warren traveled back to Granite Falls for our weekly meetings for 4 months to help with the rebuilding.

Diagnosed with a genetic condition, Warren had a double lung transplant in early 2024.  He was recovering well from that until getting a DVT  early 2025.  He died at Duke University Medical Center on February 15.  Even though not currently active in FCW, he regularly asked for updated on everyone.  He will be missed.