Warren Lee Menking, 81, of Hallettsville, passed away December 14, 2009. He was born on May 7, 1928 at Brown School in Lavaca County, Texas to Orlando and Gladys Ryan Menking. He married Sonia Elizabeth Franklin on June 23, 1956 in Sheridan, Texas.

Warren was a member of First United Methodist Church of Hallettsville. He roped in the first State Championship High School Rodeo in 1947, and was member of Rodeo Cowboy Association and State Rodeo Association, and continued to rope for a number of years. He was honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1952, retired from Shell Oil Company, and served on the Hallettsville Independent School District school board for two terms. He was a rancher, avid deer hunter, and businessman. He was also a member of Southwest Cattle Raiser's Association, Independent Cattlemen's Association, Farm Bureau, Chamber of Commerce and past director, Lions Club, Industrial Corporation, Lavaca Investment Club, American Legion, Brahma Booster of the year 2006 & 2007, and Murchison Lodge #80 and past Master.

Warren is survived by: his wife Sonia; daughter Susan Raabe & husband Alan of Hallettsville; 2 sons, Allen Lee Menking & wife Tammy of Nederland, Texas, and Kirk (Menking) Vann of Lampasas; 6 grandchildren, Dustin Metting & wife Meredith of Cuero, Dr. Austin Metting & wife Jamie of Temple, Dakota Raabe and Shalan Raabe of Hallettsville, and Travis Menking and Dylan Menking of Nederland.

Warren was preceded in death by: his parents; brother LeMont Menking; 3 infant grandsons, Ryan, Michael, and Daniel Menking; and infant twin granddaughter Savanna Raabe.

Funeral Service: 2 pm, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009 at First United Methodist Church. Visitation: 2 pm, Wednesday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. Lundy Hooten. Pallbearers: Dustin Metting, Dr. Austin Metting, Travis Menking, Dakota Raabe, Dylan Menking, and Christopher Freytag. Burial: Hallettsville City Cemetery. Memorials: First United Methodist Church or Donor's Choice.