Warren Alfred Barros of Providence Rhode Island passed away on January 19, 2017 , in Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 89 years old.  He was born on August 15, 1927 , as one of four children of the late Warren Alfred and Laura Mendez Barros

His is a story of a life well lived, filled with the love of his family, friends and everyone he met.  As a young man , he had a dream to be a designer. His drawings are evidence that his dream could have been a reality , however. Instead, he followed another dream to see the world, so he spent the majority of his life in service as a Merchant Seaman. His travels enabled him to circle the globe over 20 times.

Warren married Ethel Melancon and to that union , four daughters were born. They made their home in Port Arthur, Texas. His worldly travel provided countless lessons to pass on to his daughters. One memorable lesson was to be kind to all people. He taught them that the kindness his daughters showed to others might be repaid to him by a stranger in a foreign country. His daughters learned to live life by his example and never meet a stranger.

Since Warren's work took him away from home and his family, he used his time at home to instill values that he hoped would last a lifetime. In order to protect them from the temptations of the world, he explained that if Daddy can't buy it for you, or you can't buy it for yourself, then you don't need it. He was a very thoughtful and considerate father who always sent cards for birthdays and holidays, especially cards with pictures of monkeys, which he found especially funny.

His absence made his daughter's hearts grow fonder. They looked forward to his trips home because he made every effort to make up for the time lost. To the delight of his girls, he and  Ethel would dance in the living room, and they were as good as Ginger Rodgers and Fred Astaire! They would have been a hit on Dancing With The Stars doing the French LaLa dance to the soulful Zydeco music.

Warren also loved his life's work. He actually enjoyed the turbulence of the sea and was not frightened by it. Warren's stories from around the world were rich in customs and cultures that otherwise could only be seen on television. Along with the stories came the gifts from every country he visited which added extra excitement to his return home.  On one occasion, after he distributed the gifts, he asked, "who wants to wash my socks?" No one volunteered except Ethel. To the girls' surprise, he had hidden money in every pair of socks! He will always be remembered for his lessons and the kindness he showed to everyone.

After retiring from his life at sea, Warren lived his later years in California where he made special friends. Ms. Charlene Brooks and her family loved and cared for Warren, and she was at the bedside of her dear friend until the end.

Warren was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Port Arthur, Texas and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sacramento, California. In addition to his parents, Alfred and Laura Mendez Barros, Warren was preceded in death by two sisters, Julia Correia and Mary Mendez; and his brother Daniel Barros.

Left to Cherish his memory include Mrs. Ethel Melancon Barros; his daughters Deborah Barros Powell, Mary  Denise Barros, Janet Barros Burrell (and her husband Alton Burrell) and Jacqueline Barros Kinlaw; a special friend Ms. Charlene Brooks; his grandchildren Alona Kinlaw Triplett, Alonzo Kinlaw, Armond Robinson, Nichole Powell, Larry Warren Bryant, Dan Taj Lewis, Christopher Deshotel and Ashley Burrell; great-grandchildren Alicia and Jace Kinlaw, Allyssa Remo, Aliyah Johnson, Alec and Arianna Chandler, Arnez , Aiden and Annalise Gordon; and great-great grandchildren Ashton Rolins, Ashanti, Avannah and Aribella Johnson.

He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews as well as special friends Ms. Gussie Day, Ms. Luether Hoyd, Cheryl Brooks, Edna Moore and Gwen Spike.

We would like to thank the staff at MeSun Hospice for the care they gave him in his time of need. The entire family of Warren Alfred Barros extends heartfelt thanks to all friends and those who have supported us with love and prayers during this difficult time. Arrangements by Byrd & Flanigan Crematory and Funeral Service Lawrenceville, GA. (770)962-2200 ByrdandFlanigan.com