Warren Edward “Gre” Brennen, Sr., age 97, passed away on December 20, 2025, in Monroe, Louisiana, following a lengthy illness after a fall.. Gre was born on September 24, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to John Morgan Brennen and Amelia Bogel Brennen. An only child, he spent his early years in New Orleans, whereas a young boy he could often be found playing marbles on the neighborhood sidewalks. Gre won so often that other children joked he had put the “gris gris” on his marbles—a voodoo charm said to bring good luck. The nickname was soon shortened to “Gre,” and it stayed with him for the rest of his life.

Gre later attended Tulane University in New Orleans, where he received an Academic Scholarship and was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and earned a bachelor’s degree in business. While at Tulane, he met the love of his life, Merle Maumus. He served a short stint in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. Gre and Merle were married on June 3, 1953, and celebrated 72 years of marriage.

Gre moved to Monroe, Louisiana in 1960, where he began his professional career with Lederle Laboratories as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Through dedication and excellence, he rose to the position of Senior Representative and was honored twice with the company’s Gold Cup Award, recognizing the highest level of sales achievement. He retired in 1991 after a long and successful career.

In retirement, Gre and Merle traveled extensively, both on their own and with friends, creating cherished memories around the world. Gre was a devoted member of Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church and remained active in the community through his involvement with the Chauvin Racquet Club (later the Monroe Athletic Club), Bayou DeSiard Country Club, Little Theatre of Monroe, Big Timers Dance Club, Monroe Symphony League and the Bridge House.

Gre lived life fully and energetically. He had a warm personality and never met a stranger. If you knew Gre, you loved him. He was an avid golfer and tennis player and continued playing tennis regularly with a close group of friends at the Monroe Athletic Club until the age of 90. In 1999, he became a Life Master bridge player, an accomplishment he greatly valued. He especially treasured time spent with Merle—playing golf and tennis together, working in the yard, playing bridge, and visiting family at Lake D'Arbonne with their children and grandchildren. Gre was true to his roots. He loved Mardi Gras, loved listening to New Orleans jazz music, and he loved his New Orleans Saints and his Tulane Green Wave.

Gre was preceded in death by his parents, John and Amelia Brennen, and by his beloved granddaughter, Lauren Ann Brennen.

He is survived by his children: daughter Zoe Crumpler (Mike); daughter Bonnie Wiley (Bert); and son Edward Brennen, (Kelly). He is also survived by four grandchildren: Jared Crumpler (Nicole); Amelia Jenkins (Dustin); Morgan Crowell (Evan); and Sara Crews (Felix). Gre leaves behind six great-grandchildren: Mason Crumpler; Cameron Jenkins; Caden Jenkins; Bradley Crowell; Chloe Crowell; and Thomas Crowell.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 8, at 11:00 a.m. at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, with arrangements handled by Mulhearn Funeral Home on Sterlington Road in Monroe, Louisiana. Visitation will be prior to the funeral from 9:30 to 10:30 at Mulhearn's. Interment will follow, with a reception immediately afterward at the Brennen home.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Compassus Hospice, especially nurses Debra and Abby; to Inspirational Care, LLC; and to loving caretakers Shelia, Matena, Stormie, and Catina for their compassion, kindness, and dedicated care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church or to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.